Impact Trust • Working glossary

Trigger (polycrisis context)

A fast, local, often unpredictable event that tips a stressed system into crisis. Like a wildfire, assassination, or bank failure.

Details

Our Take
Plain language; most people understand immediately. The power is in the distinction from 'stress': triggers are fast and local; stresses are slow and systemic. Triggers cannot be predicted individually -- but the stresses that make them dangerous can be identified and addressed.
Examples of Use
Cascade Institute, systems analysis
Synonyms/Variants
Precipitating event; Flashpoint
Typical everyday wording
The spark that sets off the crisis,