Torrid Summer (1): A climate of crisis and political combustion

Six years after writing about a "digital (and political) detox" during a pandemic-marked summer, the author observes a deepening sense of crisis and uncertainty that has become the new normal.

The summer of six years ago was defined by the pandemic's impact and information overload, leading to emotional volatility. The author then discussed digital acceleration, polarization, and the perception of reality shaped by biases, seeing a "reboot" as an opportunity for reconciliation. Today, that period seems distant, yet the issues then felt intensely have only sharpened.

The current "torrid summer" is marked by literal heatwaves, recurring wildfires, and the undeniable reality of climate change. Politically, the landscape is equally heated, with prolonged wars, the shifting international balance due to Donald Trump's potential return to the White House, and the growing erosion of trust in democracies worldwide. The author contends that the political sphere thrives on constant "combustion," where any spark ignites easily, with few attempting to quell the flames.

In this environment, the author advocates for a serene political approach, one that cools tempers rather than inflaming convictions at any cost. They express hope that the summer break might foster renewed perspective and determination to focus on what truly matters. The article concludes by describing an "oppressive and suffocating" atmosphere, both physically and politically, warning that without urgent spaces for serenity, this "torrid summer" risks becoming "toxic."