Thing theory

Nigel Clark

pp. 471-477

in: Human Studies 30 (4), 2007.

Abstract

We are all inclined to take the climate for granted. We are basically acclimatised to the seasonal cycle and most of the variations that occur from day to day and week to week. It is all too easy to forget just how much of this comfort depends on the fact that our buildings, food and energy supplies, health and transport systems and leisure activities are carefully designed to meet the challenges of the local climate. But, when extreme events occur, it becomes acutely apparent how vulnerable much of the infrastructure of society is to climatic fluctuations. (Burroughs 2001, p. ix).