Introduction

In challenging orthodox notions of space, place and identity, as well as examining how new ideas, communities and ways of living might emerge from the ruins of catastrophe, this Introduction Chapter outlines the importance of the collection. We introduce Mark Fisher’s weird and eerie distinctions, emphasising how both terms when applied to catastrophe, demand new ways of thinking that go beyond what we know about disasters to recalibrate our bodies and minds to thrive in an era without precedent. Finally, from their varying perspectives, each chapter is given a summary, with new insights on the significance of sport and physical activity in catastrophic environments highlighted.