The 'crisis of abundance' refers to the modern challenge where technological advancements have made food and resources so readily available that it disrupts the evolutionary adaptations humans developed over millennia. Historically, humans evolved to store energy efficiently due to unpredictable food availability, which was crucial for survival. However, in the last century, the abundance of food and sedentary lifestyles have led to chronic health issues like obesity, as evolution hasn't caught up to these rapid changes. The conversation also touches on the concept of 'blue zones,' regions where people live longer, healthier lives, and explores whether their longevity is due to common lifestyle factors or unique regional attributes. The speaker suggests that the lack of consensus among obesity researchers highlights the complexity of the issue, indicating that multiple factors contribute to health outcomes, similar to how various elements in blue zones might contribute to longevity.