Unintended Consequences in a Complex World | Frankly 91

(Recorded April 16, 2025)

As current events continue to accelerate around us, there is no better time to pause and view the rapid changes unfolding around us through a broader, systemic perspective. It’s only by slowing down and adopting this holistic lens that we can begin to meaningfully prepare for what lies ahead.

In this short edition of Frankly, Nate dives into the theme of unintended consequences across energy, environmental issues, and social movements. Through this lens, we understand the importance of looking two or three steps ahead of today’s actions and see the - sometimes unwanted - ripple effects in the future.

Why are some movements facing backlash in today’s political landscape, despite decades of progress and education? What lessons can we draw from these outcomes to become more effective agents of change? And how do we stay grounded in humility and openness as we navigate further unexpected consequences in the future?

Show Notes and More:

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[dalebirononpoetry]

Loved this piece today, Nate… Especially this quote. Rather poetic… “And what the world is going to need, is science-tethered, transparent, open eyed, openhearted, awareness of our situation.”

[Angela-qhjj]

Nate, you shine a beautiful light on the honest truth and your love for all creation. You inspire. You inform and you are deeply appreciated. Please know we are all in this together. Strength, Courage, Love and Light my friend🙏🙏

[albertdriescher]

This kind of discussions is vital to our search for truth and understanding in an ever-increasing techno driven surreal world... Thank you Nate.

[davidgarza]

Joined up thinking is so absent from our impulsive JIT always-on economy. Pro science and pro wisdom here thanks Nate for helping us connect these dots.

[MrFlinchenstein]

Hey Nate! Love your content and im excited for this new series. Hope you have a great weekend 👍

[calindafleishman]

Thanks for this. Wondering what more science is actually needed? It seems we have plenty of scientific proof and projection for all the issues of the world, be it political science or climate science. Couldn't it be that we need to stop looking outward for answers and focus now on community resilience, and reciprocity with people and nature? It's the individualization of society and externalization of information and resources that got us in this mess. We're definitely in a bad place right now, which is why I agree we need to step back and look at everything in a broader context.

[johncarter]

I agree, thanks for filtering this in and out so I didn't get captured by the negativity of media news... today, ...more hard to deal with reality!

[asbjorgvanderveer]

Janaia Donaldson's series of interviews on Peakmoments TV (first aired in 2006) was informative of the consequences of peak oil. This series is now available on Apple TV, and YouTube. Worth watching. It helped me to understand the unfolding global polycrisis, and to cope with my grief working through the ramifications of our overshoot on the planet. It introduced me to Stephen Jenkinson, (Orphan Wisdom School, ) and his encounters with palliative care working with patients at Mt Sinai Hospital, in Toronto, Canada, as well as many other enlightened points of view about our predicament.

[klausfaller]

Thanks Nate. Not consuming any news denies me the right to participate in any political discussion, but it preserves the clarity of human sensibility.
However, living 65 years all over Europe gives me a deep sense of what is about to unfold here.
The American businessman is gaining the heart of many Europeans of all sexes and ages, and yes, even friends can sometimes not resist the charm of the orange peel.
A propaganda train constantly fuelled by acts of heroism aiming to divide and conquer.

When I was 8 years old, I asked my grandmother, Oma, why did everybody love Adolf so much, and she said because he kept his promises. So I asked what did he promise, and she answered, work.
I didn't understand it at the time because it was the very thing mum always complained about.
I for onces haven't forgotten about the horrific acts of my past generations and feel anxious seeing a similar repeat at many levels.

Wish you all a peaceful future
Klaus

[antonyjh]

I woke up this morning and chose honest discussion.

[Dilmahkana]

Mosquitoes gene-editing stuff is something, no matter how much research we do, we won't be able to predict the consequences and there will be a negative ecological effect

[dankoepp]

…as stated earlier on TGS:” nobody drives this bus!”

[Orielzolrak]

Hi Nate.
I'm talking to someone and discussing the global energy problem, Peak Oil in 2018, and other thoughts on energy, biodiversity, the environment, and pollution. But this person tells me this isn't true, and the fact that oil prices have dropped from $80 to $60 a barrel is good proof that we don't have to fear any energy problems.
As an artist, I realize the importance of effective and appropriate communication when discussing these topics with other people.
Why can't we create a segment that helps us argue better, more clearly, and in the simplest way possible to address these issues with people who are unfamiliar with energy, complexity, etc.?
I think it would be important to have clear arguments to be able to express what we're learning.
Greetings from Argentina!

[oktober]

if we practice agapé love towards whole creation ... think, speak and act based upon unconditional love, respect and compassion towards all (natural world included), we will avoid negative unintended consequences of cruelty and violence ... it is a and loooong road for each us individually ... and at the end, welcome to the heaven!

[steveberkson]

Love to hear it. I think maybe a discussion on distraction. ..

[themillionthings]

I'm wondering if you can do a show on money creation, design, mechanics, and effects.. It seems to be a truth that society always succeeds in the activity that new money is created from. Whether that activity is collateralizing promises to pay back more of it (debt) or building roads ('deficit' spending MMT style). Different origin, different mechanics, different effects, isn't it? How is a monetary system not like an ecosystem? How are they similar? (selection takes place in both) What could a different design select for? What mechanics would actually select for that?

[ocschwar]

The only think that could "debunk" peak ol is abiotic oil.

[mattgraham]

The purpose of a system is what it does.
-Stafford Beer

[CaterpillarsEndonlinebookclub]

We need a credit system for all companies based on sustainability and ethics.

[antonyjh]

Alex Krainer, ex hedge fund manager is doing some podcasts, has one on Garland Nixon where he mentions Regan Boychuk and that the Iraq war was because they didn't want Iraq pumping cheap oil to protect the oil sands in Alberta value. Regans piece is on a website called The Canada Files, published the 5th of March this year. Interesting read.
edit Glenn Diesen has a better one regarding the money aspect.