The Imaginactivism of Climate Fiction

• In Event: 50620 - Section on Environmental Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 10: Environmental Sociology Imaginations and Futures

Abstract

Evidence is mounting that the lack of a meaningful societal response to climate change can at least partially be conceptualized as a failure of imagination. In this context, an increasing number of scholars contemplate the potential of speculative fiction to influence people’s attitudes or emotions regarding climate change, or to introduce new narratives that might help people imagine alternative futures. Still, it remains unclear to what extent the standout examples typically cited in discussions of climate fiction are indicative of any meaningful deeper trend in science fiction or popular imagination. In this project, I assess data from both major scientific publishers and self-published authors to consider (1) the extent to which there is evidence that climate change is an issue occupying public attention, and (2) the extent to which people seem to be at least beginning to imagine the possibility of a more sustainable future.

Author

• Robert Duffy, Eastern Illinois University