We pay tribute to the late Mike Davis to explore the ongoing ecological crises facing Southern California and the socio-political dynamics that shape our responses to disaster. This is an intellectual tour de force as Davis goes deep in this recording from 1995 at the architectural school SCI-Arc, where he taught at the time. He outlines the history of damage caused by natural disasters in Southern California. Popular culture seems fascinated with the destruction of Los Angeles, and most recent events have breathed life into that narrative.
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Chaos in California: Understanding the Landscape of Disasters
In this show, we delve into the life and legacy of Mike Davis, a profound thinker whose work has shaped our understanding of environmentalism through a social justice lens. Hosted by Jack Eidt, this tribute not only honors Davis’s contributions but also explores the pressing ecological crises that Southern California faces today.
“The world we have constructed is out of balance within itself and with nature.” — Mike Davis
STORY: Tribute to the Late Urban History Provocateur Mike Davis
Mike Davis was not just an author; he was a public intellectual whose writings challenged the conventional narratives surrounding urbanism and climate change. His seminal works, such as “City of Quartz” and “Late Victorian Holocausts,” provide critical insights into the socio-political dynamics that govern our relationship with nature. As we reflect on his ideas, we recognize the urgent need to address the imbalance that exists between urban development and environmental sustainability.
STORY: Climate Crisis Ignites: Why L.A.’s Fires Are a Wake-Up Call
In this episode, Mike Davis discusses how Los Angeles, often seen as a land of opportunity, has also become a site of ecological disaster. From wildfires to floods, the region’s history is punctuated by natural calamities that are often exacerbated by human actions. Davis’s analysis of these disasters from 1995 reveals how urbanization has placed communities in harm’s way, often prioritizing economic growth over ecological integrity. Today’s ecological crises are unfortunate testament to his prescient analyses.
Moreover, we explore the concept of cultural memory and how historical events shape our current environmental policies. Davis’s work reminds us that understanding our past is crucial for navigating the future, especially in a time of climate crisis. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the interdependence of social justice and environmental stewardship, urging us to rethink our approach to urban planning and disaster preparedness.
STORY: Rising from the Ashes: Wildfire Resilience for Los Angeles and Beyond
“Los Angeles has deliberately put itself in harm’s way.” — Mike Davis
As we honor Mike Davis’s legacy, we invite our listeners to engage with his ideas and consider the implications for our own communities. The conversation is more relevant than ever, as we face unprecedented challenges related to climate change and social inequality. Join us in this exploration of how we can create a more just and sustainable future, inspired by the work of a true visionary.
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Davis discusses the complexity of California’s Mediterranean climate, arguing for a new “environmental epistemology.” He calls for a rethinking of California’s resource and disaster planning. Noting the extreme hydroclimatic shifts throughout California history, he suggests a disruption of capitalist hydraulic civilization in California is inevitable–and here we are. We are in serious need of an environmental rethink in any rebuilding–or rewilding–plans.
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More Mike Davis: https://wilderutopia.com/ecojustice-radio/tribute-to-the-late-urban-history-provocateur-mike-davis/
Sources:
Full show of Mike Davis 1995 Presentation from SCI-Arc https://youtu.be/evJpgKQ6YWU?si=oPJ_rzpI-45oIHys
Mike Davis, who passed away in 2022, was a writer and urban theorist who is most known for his work demythologizing the fractured wild-urban landscape of Southern California. Once a meat cutter and a truck driver, he was Professor Emeritus at University of California, Riverside, a Macarthur Fellow, and the author of more than 20 books. He is best known for his investigations of power and social class in works such as City of Quartz: Excavating the Future in Los Angeles (1990) and Late Victorian Holocausts (2001). In this show we focus on his book, “The Ecology of Fear: Los Angeles and the Imagination of Disaster.”
Jack Eidt is an urban planner, environmental journalist, and climate organizer, as well as award-winning fiction writer. He is Co-Founder of SoCal 350 Climate Action and Executive Producer of EcoJustice Radio. He writes a column on PBS SoCal called High & Dry [https://www.pbssocal.org/people/high-dry]. He is also Founder and Publisher of WilderUtopia [https://wilderutopia.com], a website dedicated to the question of Earth sustainability, finding society-level solutions to environmental, community, economic, transportation and energy needs.
Podcast Website: http://ecojusticeradio.org/
Podcast Blog: https://www.wilderutopia.com/category/ecojustice-radio/
Support the Podcast: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio
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Executive Producer and Host: Jack Eidt
Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats
Episode 247
Photo credit: Ecology of Fear cover
Updated 12 February 2025
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