In the wake of environmental crises and societal uncertainties, a new breed of preppers is emerging, challenging traditional notions of survivalism. This movement is a very different trajectory from the guns-and-ammo survivalists of years past. Unlike Kurt Saxon, who invented the term “survivalist” and was linked to the American Nazi Party and the John Birch Society, today’s survivalists focus on what’s ahead. Today, the new generation of preppers is taking a more collective and community-minded approach. They know that climate breakdown is an immediate, long-term reality—not a crisis to be addressed by hoarding arms and resources.
The former President Donald Trump’s administration undermined state capacity. This begs the question of whether the federal government is able, or perhaps even willing, to efficiently respond to disasters. Many now worry that if another crisis comes calling, a competent government response will be less likely. This rapidly changing environment forces us to think about new approaches to keeping ourselves and availing ourselves.
Climate change is not just some temporary problem. It is a long-term danger that requires strong, creative solutions. Now that more and more people are learning about this new normal, most are rethinking the value of the old go-to survival strategies. Take, for example, the popular commentator’s argument that an arsenal in your backyard isn’t enough to prepare for doomsday. Rather, they call for forward-thinking solutions that build resilience within communities.
Steffen is a fierce champion for this change. The expert opinion He argues that the nature of urban living is key to improving safety in an emergency. He notes that cities with resilience plans are better equipped to handle emergencies, making them preferable locales for most people. Elizabeth Doerr, co-host of the podcast “Cramming for the Apocalypse,” argues in agreement with Steffen. She thinks cities are the bastions of protection and unity.
This approach begs the question of accessibility and feasibility. Not everyone can afford to move to cities or pay for resilience plans. Steffen recognizes that uprooting is not suitable for everyone, especially for marginalized communities. Another voice in this emerging dialogue, Shonkwiler, calls relocation “a ludicrous solution,” exposing the inequities baked deep into such proposals.
Queer people, especially, have always used mutual help networks. That community-oriented ethos serves as the foundation for much of the contemporary prepper movement, where cooperation and shared resources trump rugged individualism. Equity in Action Steffen and his colleagues organize free online meetups. These events are all about processing emotional and creative responses to existential threats and building a community amongst fellow participants.
The urgency surrounding climate issues has prompted individuals like Jem Bendell, a professor of sustainability leadership, to explore the implications of our fossil fuel dependency. In his 2023 book “Breaking Together,” Bendell discusses how this addiction could lead to the collapse of social and economic systems. His art speaks to anyone struggling with the harsh realities of climate breakdown and what that may bring.
The underground prepping world is overwhelmingly conservative, with about 85% of preppers being very conservative. Liberals are beginning to realize their impact and carve out their own space within this burgeoning movement. Estimates suggest that liberals now comprise around 15% of the prepping community, reflecting a growing desire for inclusive approaches to survival.
Rather than giving in to death knell forecasts for everything under the sun, these people—turn off the doomsday music, please! Baum, for example, doesn’t skimp on the harsh realities that climate collapse is bringing to bear on our planet—yet he still holds onto a hopeful optimism. This perspective highlights an essential distinction within the prepper community: not all who prepare do so from a place of despair.
We know that major shocks, such as the World Trade Center attack, have a huge impact on Americans’ sense of safety. These disasters have nationwide raised the alarms on the need for preparedness. This event caused a lot of folks to think about their own vulnerability and how they might be able to prepare and protect themselves from the next thing.