climatefiction

Climate fiction, often shortened to cli-fi, is a genre of speculative fiction that engages with climate change and its potential consequences. These stories explore the impacts of global warming, extreme weather events, environmental degradation, and societal responses to ecological crises. Cli-fi can encompass a wide range of subgenres, including science fiction, dystopian fiction, and even some forms of literary fiction, as long as the central themes revolve around climate-related issues.

The genre often serves as a way to process anxieties and explore potential futures shaped by environmental change. Authors may use cli-fi to warn audiences about the dangers of inaction, to imagine adaptive strategies, or to critique the political and economic systems that contribute to the crisis. The scope of cli-fi narratives can vary significantly, from intimate stories about individuals struggling to survive in altered environments to grand-scale epics depicting the collapse or transformation of civilizations.

While the term "climate fiction" gained prominence in the early 21st century, stories addressing environmental themes have existed for much longer. However, the increasing urgency and visibility of climate change have led to a surge in cli-fi production and critical attention. The genre is seen by many as a vital tool for fostering public understanding and engagement with one of the most pressing issues of our time.