Cli-fi

Definition

Cli-fi, short for climate fiction, is a genre of literature that focuses on climate change and its impact on the environment and society. It often explores themes related to ecological disasters, societal responses to environmental crises, and speculative futures shaped by climate-related issues. As a contemporary literary movement, cli-fi reflects the growing urgency surrounding climate change and encourages readers to engage with environmental concerns through storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cli-fi emerged as a distinct genre in the early 21st century, gaining traction as global awareness of climate change increased.
2. Notable works of cli-fi include novels like 'The Overstory' by Richard Powers and 'New York 2140' by Kim Stanley Robinson, both of which envision futures heavily impacted by environmental changes.
3. The genre often serves as a form of activism, aiming to provoke thought and discussion about real-world climate issues through fictional narratives.
4. Cli-fi frequently features characters who are activists or scientists, highlighting human resilience and the importance of collective action in facing climate challenges.
5. As a contemporary literary movement, cli-fi is not limited to novels; it can also be found in short stories, poetry, films, and other forms of media.

Review Questions

• How does cli-fi utilize elements of dystopia to convey its messages about climate change?
  • Cli-fi often incorporates dystopian elements to emphasize the potential consequences of unchecked climate change. By depicting societies that have suffered from ecological disasters, these narratives illustrate dire warnings about environmental neglect. Dystopian settings amplify the urgency of climate issues and provoke readers to consider the importance of taking action before such futures become reality.
• In what ways does eco-criticism enhance the understanding of cli-fi as a genre?
  • Eco-criticism provides a framework for analyzing how cli-fi reflects environmental concerns and shapes societal perceptions about climate change. By examining the interactions between characters and their environments in cli-fi narratives, eco-critics can uncover deeper meanings related to human relationships with nature. This critical lens helps highlight how literature can serve as both a reflection of ecological realities and a catalyst for environmental awareness.
• Evaluate the role of speculative fiction within cli-fi and its potential impact on public perception of climate change.
  • Speculative fiction plays a crucial role in cli-fi by allowing authors to imagine alternative futures shaped by climate change. This genre challenges readers to envision not only the potential horrors but also possible solutions to environmental crises. By creating compelling narratives that resonate with audiences, speculative fiction can shift public perception about climate change from abstract threats to relatable scenarios, fostering empathy and encouraging proactive engagement with real-world issues.

Related terms

Dystopia: A genre depicting an imagined society characterized by oppression, environmental degradation, and often a totalitarian regime, often used in cli-fi to highlight the consequences of climate change.

Eco-criticism: A critical approach that analyzes the relationship between literature and the environment, focusing on how texts reflect or influence ecological awareness.

Speculative fiction: A broad literary category that encompasses various genres, including science fiction and fantasy, which imagines alternative realities, often including themes of climate change in cli-fi.