Cli-fi

Definition

Cli-fi, short for climate fiction, refers to a genre of literature and art that focuses on the impacts of climate change and environmental issues, often envisioning future scenarios shaped by ecological crises. This genre seeks to raise awareness, provoke thought, and inspire action through storytelling that reflects real-world challenges and speculative futures related to climate change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cli-fi emerged as a distinct genre in the late 20th century as awareness of climate change grew and is characterized by its ability to address urgent environmental issues through engaging narratives.
2. Many cli-fi works envision dystopian futures where climate change has led to severe ecological and societal consequences, prompting audiences to confront the potential realities of inaction.
3. The genre often features characters who are activists or scientists, reflecting real-world efforts to combat climate change and inspire readers to consider their roles in environmental stewardship.
4. Cli-fi can be found in various forms, including novels, short stories, films, and visual arts, making it a versatile medium for communicating climate-related themes.
5. Authors like Margaret Atwood and Kim Stanley Robinson are notable figures in cli-fi, using their works to engage with complex issues surrounding climate change while pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

Review Questions

• How does cli-fi use narrative techniques to engage readers with climate change themes?
  • Cli-fi employs various narrative techniques such as character development, immersive world-building, and emotional storytelling to draw readers into scenarios shaped by climate change. By creating relatable characters who face dire consequences due to ecological crises, authors can evoke empathy and urgency. This connection encourages readers not only to reflect on the potential impacts of climate change but also to consider their own roles in addressing these challenges.
• In what ways does cli-fi differentiate itself from other genres like eco-fiction or speculative fiction?
  • While both cli-fi and eco-fiction address environmental themes, cli-fi specifically focuses on climate change and its direct effects on individuals and societies. Speculative fiction encompasses a wider range of narratives that may not center on ecological issues. Cli-fi typically features more immediate concerns related to current climate realities, often rooted in scientific facts and projections, making it a distinctive voice within the broader landscape of eco-conscious storytelling.
• Evaluate the impact of cli-fi on public perception and discourse regarding climate change and environmental sustainability.
  • Cli-fi plays a significant role in shaping public perception by making abstract concepts related to climate change more tangible through storytelling. By presenting relatable scenarios and emotional stakes, cli-fi can motivate individuals to engage with environmental issues on a personal level. The genre can foster discussions about sustainability practices and the urgency for action, pushing readers toward advocacy and informed decision-making. Ultimately, cli-fi serves as a catalyst for broader societal conversations about our future in the face of climate challenges.

Related terms

Eco-fiction: A broader genre that includes any fiction with a significant ecological or environmental theme, encompassing a variety of subgenres including cli-fi.

Speculative fiction: A genre that includes any narrative that imagines alternative realities or futures, often used as a framework to explore social and environmental issues.

Afrofuturism: A cultural movement that combines elements of science fiction, history, and fantasy to reimagine the future from an African or African diaspora perspective, often addressing themes of ecology and sustainability.