edge of Europe

August 6th 2023

I’m leading a charmed life this year. While in Mexico I missed what’s becoming the usual wet spring in the UK. Now a week away in Marseilles saw me dodge the summer rains. This was another revisit after a number of years and a chance to reflect on my work before the pandemic on the consequences of global climate change and political instability on Europe.

It was also an opportunity to read This is Europe by Ben Judah, author of This is London which I really admired. Following a similar format of short intense interviews, I was taken on a virtual tour around towns and cities across the continent, re-seeing Europe through the eyes of individuals from around the world, trying to make a life.

In some ways Marseilles is a manifestation of this world such is the presence of cultures from across north and west Africa, courtesy of France’s colonial legacy, but also now shaping its future complexion as communities continue to establish themselves.

Reviewing my original contention it feels like there’s still plenty to think about, accentuated by the permacrisis that’s engulfed us since.