Preparing for the apocalypse: Here’s why collaboration is essential

Athena Aktipis is a social psychologist who studies cooperation, generosity and conflict.

She says in times of catastrophe, people often go into a highly cooperative mode instinctually.

She urges people to remember this when preparing for disasters of all kinds.

"We’re not just in for an apocalyptic future; we also live in an apocalyptic present," she says.

All organisms evolved to deal with risks, and humans have evolved to do so collectively.

We must meet challenges with a level of human collaboration, cooperation, communication that matches the enormity of the problems.

Preparing for the apocalypse offers solutions to multiple problems, says Aktipis .

It’s also a way to secure bonds of mutual aid, where we know others will be there for us and we’ll be there for them. Jessica DuLong is a Brooklyn , New York -based journalist, book collaborator, writing coach and the author of “ Saved at the Seawall: Stories From the September 11 Boat Lift” and “ My River Chronicles: Rediscovering the Work That Built America .” For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com .