Climate Fiction & Geoengineering
Climate fiction, or cli-fi, is a literary genre that explores the impacts of climate change on society, often imagining future scenarios shaped by environmental crises. Geoengineering, within this context, refers to large-scale technological interventions designed to alter Earth’s climate, such as carbon capture or solar radiation management. Together, climate fiction and geoengineering examine humanity’s responses to ecological threats, ethical dilemmas, and the unintended consequences of manipulating natural systems.
Climate Fiction & Geoengineering
Climate fiction, or cli-fi, is a literary genre that explores the impacts of climate change on society, often imagining future scenarios shaped by environmental crises. Geoengineering, within this context, refers to large-scale technological interventions designed to alter Earth’s climate, such as carbon capture or solar radiation management. Together, climate fiction and geoengineering examine humanity’s responses to ecological threats, ethical dilemmas, and the unintended consequences of manipulating natural systems.
💡 Key Takeaways
- Understand how cli-fi portrays climate impacts on communities and daily life.
- Recognize the role of geoengineering in sci-fi plots and the ethical, ecological, and geopolitical trade-offs it raises.
- Explore how cyber-future technologies (AI, sensors, data networks) are used in climate crisis responses within cli-fi narratives.
- Compare different storytelling approaches to governance, responsibility, and resilience in climate-fiction futures.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is climate fiction (cli-fi)?
A genre that explores how climate change affects people and society, often imagining future worlds shaped by environmental crises.
What does geoengineering mean in this context?
Large-scale technologies intended to deliberately alter Earth's climate to counter warming or reduce climate risks, a common topic in sci‑fi futures.
What are the main geoengineering approaches discussed in cli-fi?
Common categories include Solar Radiation Management (reflecting sunlight to cool the planet) and Carbon Dioxide Removal (removing CO2 from the atmosphere).
What typical ethical or governance questions arise in cli-fi about geoengineering?
Risk of unintended consequences, who makes decisions, who bears the risks, potential unequal impacts, and questions of accountability and long-term stewardship.