Debt is growing worldwide. It would seem that global debt can’t exceed global production, but global debt is now 230% of global GDP. The last three times that happened, bad things happened. They’ve all happened since 1980. Recessions and financial upsets are increasing in magnitude, something that was predicted by a global economic analysis described in a TED Talk (How we can predict the next financial crisis – video). As currently and accidentally designed, the world’s economy is unstable and prone to increasing highs and lows. Recently, stock markets and other asset markets are reaching higher highs. The analysis and the current debt suggest we may be able to encounter lower lows. “The World Bank has just warned us that a fourth debt wave could dwarf the first three.” – BrookingsGlobal issues can be masked by concentrating on national news. If one nation is having trouble, it is assumed that it is that nation’s fault. The reality may be that the issue is systemic not isolated. Solutions, however, must be enacted locally. Reactions and adaptations must be exercised individually. Forewarned is forearmed, and the best outcome may be preparations that are unnecessary.