Climate fiction

Definition

Climate fiction, often referred to as 'cli-fi', is a genre of literature that focuses on climate change and its impact on human societies and the natural world. This genre explores themes of environmental degradation, human resilience, and the ethical implications of climate-related crises, often serving as a cautionary tale or a call to action regarding ecological concerns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate fiction gained popularity in the late 20th century as awareness of climate change and environmental issues increased among the public.
2. Prominent authors in this genre include Margaret Atwood, Kim Stanley Robinson, and Paolo Bacigalupi, whose works often address the consequences of climate change.
3. Cli-fi can serve to raise awareness about ecological issues and inspire readers to consider their own impact on the environment.
4. The genre often blends elements of science fiction with realistic portrayals of climate effects, exploring both personal and global consequences.
5. Climate fiction is seen as an important tool for engaging readers with urgent environmental issues, often sparking discussions about sustainability and human responsibility.

Review Questions

• How does climate fiction reflect societal attitudes toward environmental issues in 20th-century literature?
  • Climate fiction reflects societal attitudes toward environmental issues by highlighting the growing concern over climate change and its implications. As industrialization and globalization progressed throughout the 20th century, literature began to explore these themes more prominently. Authors used narrative to critique humanity's relationship with nature, showing how neglect could lead to dire consequences. This mirrors a broader cultural shift towards awareness of ecological crises, making climate fiction both relevant and urgent.
• What are some common themes found in climate fiction, and how do they compare to those in traditional dystopian literature?
  • Common themes in climate fiction include environmental degradation, social justice, and human resilience in the face of ecological crises. Unlike traditional dystopian literature that may focus more on authoritarian regimes or societal control, cli-fi emphasizes the direct consequences of climate change on humanity and the planet. Both genres may portray bleak futures; however, climate fiction often incorporates elements of hope and calls for action, suggesting that individuals can make a difference in combating climate issues.
• Evaluate the impact of climate fiction on contemporary discussions about climate change and environmental policy.
  • Climate fiction plays a significant role in contemporary discussions about climate change by engaging readers emotionally and intellectually with urgent environmental issues. By depicting realistic scenarios involving ecological disaster, these narratives can influence public perception and policy discussions surrounding sustainability. Moreover, cli-fi can inspire readers to take action by showcasing the importance of individual responsibility in addressing climate challenges. As a result, this genre serves as both a reflection of current anxieties and a powerful catalyst for social change regarding environmental stewardship.

Related terms

Dystopian Literature: A genre that explores societal breakdown and oppressive societal control, often in a future affected by environmental disaster or authoritarian rule.

Ecocriticism: An interdisciplinary field that examines the relationship between literature and the physical environment, often critiquing how nature is portrayed in literary texts.

Speculative Fiction: A broad genre encompassing any narrative that imagines worlds different from our own, often including science fiction and fantasy elements.