I'd like to avoid the environmental apocalypse if I could. Zombies, robots - I don't know - I'd probably do alright hidden in the middle of the herd and sacrificing people to keep myself alive, but where you gonna hide when all the food is gone?

Ben Peek’s quote reflects a darkly humorous yet serious view on the potential consequences of environmental apocalypse. He begins by expressing a desire to avoid such a catastrophe, suggesting the environmental crisis is a looming threat. This evokes the idea of global collapse caused by factors like climate change, resource depletion, or environmental degradation, making the future seem increasingly uncertain. Peek juxtaposes the severity of the crisis with more fantastical scenarios, such as zombies or robots, to highlight the absurdity of preparing for such extreme outcomes.

The mention of hiding “in the middle of the herd” and sacrificing people implies a survivalist mentality, where individuals may resort to extreme measures to ensure their own survival during a disaster. Peek uses this imagery to convey the stark reality that, in the face of resource scarcity or societal collapse, people might be forced to make morally questionable choices to stay alive. His reference to the “herd” further suggests a survival of the fittest mentality, where individual actions are driven by self-preservation.

Peek’s statement also points to the inevitable challenge that would arise in an apocalyptic scenario: what happens when all the food is gone? This rhetorical question highlights the severity of the situation, emphasizing the unsustainability of the world if environmental destruction continues unchecked. It suggests that no matter how well someone may hide or adapt in such a scenario, there is no true refuge when resources are depleted and survival becomes impossible.

Ultimately, the quote blends humor with a critique of the environmental crisis. By mixing the idea of a traditional apocalyptic disaster with the real-world concerns of environmental collapse, Peek underscores the urgency of addressing these issues before they escalate to the point where survival itself becomes uncertain.