Imagining the Future of Climate Change: World-Making through Science Fiction and Activism

Climate change activists, artists, and science fiction writers have imagined the consequences of climate change and its impacts on our future. These works engage audiences to think about Earth's sustainability and connect science with activism. Today, real-world social movements led by Indigenous people and people of color are leading the way against the fossil fuel industry, and through these stories and movements, we understand the relationship between culture and activism and how both can be valuable tools in creating our future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2018
Publisher: University of California Press

From the 1960s to the present, a vibrant community of activists, artists, and science fiction writers has delved into the captivating realm of envisioning the consequences of climate change and its profound impacts on our future. These visionaries, including acclaimed authors like Octavia Butler and Leslie Marmon Silko, visionary movie directors like Bong Joon-Ho, and the creative minds behind digital media projects like the Maori web series Anamata Future News, have painted vivid pictures of worlds grappling with the imminent threat of environmental collapse. Their imaginative works have not only stirred audiences' minds but also sparked a deeper understanding of the Earth's sustainability and the urgent need for action.

As public awareness of climate change has surged, so has the popularity of imaginative climate fiction that seamlessly blends science with activism. These works, whether in the form of novels, films, or digital media, transport readers to alternative realities where climate change has taken a catastrophic toll, challenging them to consider the possibilities for a sustainable future. They serve as powerful tools for raising awareness, inspiring action, and fostering a sense of urgency among individuals and communities.

In this transformative era, real-world social movements led by Indigenous people and people of color are taking center stage in the fight against the greatest threat to our environment: the fossil fuel industry. These movements, grounded in cultural knowledge and historical resilience, are paving the way for a just and sustainable future. Through their stories and collective efforts, they are illuminating the profound connection between culture and activism, demonstrating how both can be invaluable in shaping our collective destiny.

Imagining the Future of Climate Change is a groundbreaking exploration that delves into the history and key flashpoints of climate justice through the lens of speculative fiction and social movements. It invites readers to embark on a thought-provoking journey, exploring post-disaster possibilities and the art of world-making. By intertwining these two realms, the book offers a unique perspective on the intersection of culture, activism, and the urgent need for climate action.

As we navigate the complexities of our changing world, the stories and movements of Natives and people of color serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration. They remind us that our collective efforts can create a world that is resilient, sustainable, and just for all. By embracing the power of imagination, we can envision a future where climate change is addressed not as a threat but as an opportunity for transformation and growth. Let us continue to support and amplify the voices of these visionaries, as they work tirelessly to build a better future for generations to come.

Weight: 206g
Dimension: 212 x 147 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520294455