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The Rise of Cli-Fi (Climate Fiction)
Introduction
A fresh and exciting genre of literature has come to life in mid 2000s, tackling one of the most important issues we face today i-e climate change. This genre, known as climate fiction or "cli-fi," includes a wide variety of stories that explore the effects of climate change and environmental harm. The narratives humanize climate change to create awareness about the issue, its severity and the need to take serious action.
Woods- Alive trees and human intervention of making a wooden bridge amid the tress
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| Nature - a rare image of Indian natural landscape. |
As the signs of global warming become more visible, cli-fi has become increasingly popular, serving not just as entertainment but also as a meaningful way to raise awareness about our planet. Elif Shafak is a versatile novelist her appeal lies in her acknowledgement of significance of diversity. The revolutionary power of diverse thought | Elif Shafak
Elif's novel "The Island of Missing Trees", is particularly notable novel to study from the cli-fi perspective. Here is my short overall review of Shafak’s “The Island of Missing Trees”.
A short overall review of The Island of Missing Trees
The novel is an excellent read for everyone. It has insight into various central issues of our age & yet it has a pearl of timeless wisdom encapsulated in a precise manner. Memory plays a vital role in the life of major characters who had experienced post-colonial pain, immigration & loss of loved ones. Their future life is affected by their memories, but still, the ubiquitous & almost mythological presence of a fig tree conveys more than a simple love story of a couple who had their share of happiness & sorrows, loss & gain, ecstasy & obligation. The arboreal world asserted by the fig tree shows clear evidence of improved capability to withstand calamities in the later generations of trees & plants that had borne more difficulties to survive. Their resilience is passed on to the next generation as a precious asset. The book stresses peace, union & bonding, and the need to shun the unnatural nationalistic extremism peculiar to homo sapiens. It is due to the fanaticism that xenophobic tendencies were normalized & persist in different forms. The need to understand that we human beings are all connected & interdependent, sharing one home. And we must act more responsibly towards one another, nature & earth. It speaks volumes about the need not to harm at least; if one cannot add value. The novel has several motifs interlinked with the central theme & offers a superb literary experience to interpret its various elements, thoughts & intricacies inviting a discerning and inquisitive reader, to delve deeper, to unfold its layers & layers of meanings. A rich & provocative text to make us acknowledge the significance of action that is sane & wise. The novel certainly widens our empathy, inspires for sane action towards each other and nature.
Study focusing on Anthropocentrism in Elif Shafak’s The Island of Missing Trees
Bellavita Hadiatul Laila Sutari, in her thesis "ANTHROPOCENTRISM AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN ELIF SHAFAK’S THE ISLAND OF MISSING TREES", studies the nature of human and nature in our contemporary society. Her research aims to analyze the relationship between humans and nature in the novel The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak. The researcher has used anthropocentrism as the main topic of the research. The research is significant because it specifically highlights the relationship between humans and nature is faced with problems due to human actions. The importance of understanding this relationship is as a lesson for humans in dealing with environmental problems and protecting nature.
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Bee hives- Image showing significance of
natural ecosystems for sustainability of life.
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The Growth of Cli-Fi
Cli-fi started to gain popularity in the early 2000s, with notable authors are: Kim Stanley Robinson, Margaret Atwood, and Paolo Bacigalupi leading the way. These writers use imaginative storytelling to create futures shaped by climate change, often depicting societies that are struggling with the consequences of neglecting the environment.
The genre has since expanded to include many different voices and perspectives, reflecting the worldwide nature of the climate crisis.
Themes and Features
Fight for Survival
Cli-fi often dives into themes like ecological collapse, resource scarcity, and the fight for survival in a changing world.
Ethical and moral questions
It also explores the moral and ethical questions that individuals and communities face- when dealing with environmental challenges.
Our role in coping with the climate change
By placing characters in intense situations, cli-fi encourages readers to think about the realities of climate change and their own roles in making a difference.
Impact on Environmental Awareness
Raising Awareness by using story telling:
One of the most significant benefits of cli-fi is its ability to raise awareness about climate change. By blending scientific facts with engaging stories, authors can reach readers who might not be familiar with the complexities of environmental issues. This storytelling approach makes the topic more relatable and easier to understand.
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| Ice cubes, symbolic of need of urgent action amid climate change & loss of diversity of species. |
Inspiring Action:
Cli-fi has the power to motivate readers to take action in their own lives. By showing the consequences of inaction, these stories can inspire individuals to adopt more sustainable habits, push for policy changes, and get involved in environmental movements.
Fostering Empathy:
The emotional depth of cli-fi allows readers to connect with characters facing the harsh realities of climate change. This connection can lead to a greater understanding of the human impact of environmental degradation, encouraging readers to think about the broader implications of their choices.
Encouraging Dialogue:
Cli-fi can spark conversations about climate change and environmental justice. Book clubs, classrooms, and online communities often use cli-fi as a starting point for discussions about the future of our planet, creating a sense of community and shared responsibility. Engaging by active participation in the dialogue to work from the individual level.
Critiques and Challenges
While cli-fi has made great strides in raising awareness, it does face some critiques. Some people feel that the genre can sometimes focus too much on dystopian themes, which might lead to feelings of hopelessness instead of empowerment.
Additionally, there are concerns that cli-fi may oversimplify complex issues or reinforce stereotypes about climate change and its effects.
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| Ripped woods- mishandling of nature |
Movies on Ecological Crisis
This section was guided by the content on Earth.org a website that has inspiring content on the creating ecological awareness. https://earth.org/
1. The Human Element (2019)
On our list of the best environmental films, first one is The Human Element. It is centred around climate change. The Human Element chronicles the quest of environmental photographer James Balog. The documentary captivatingly highlights how the four elements — air, earth, water and fire — are being altered by the fifth element of human activity.
Pioneering in its videography, the documentary reveals how global warming has drastically contributed to wildfires and hurricanes that disrupt human-nature balance. To examine the impact, Balog visits Americans at the forefront of climate change, including inhabitants of Tangier Island, a fishing community who are facing rising sea levels in their island.
The documentary encourages audiences to reconsider their relationship with the natural world.
2. Before the Flood (2016)
Next on our list is Before the Flood, it is a powerful documentary produced by National Geographic and featuring actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio. The film takes viewers on a global journey to explore the effects of climate change and the urgent need for action. DiCaprio travels to various locations, including the Arctic. There he witnesses the melting ice firsthand. In Indonesia he observes the impact of deforestation.
The documentary features interviews with scientists, activists, and world leaders, emphasizing the importance of collective action to combat climate change. Before the Flood not only raises awareness about the environmental crisis but also inspires viewers to take personal responsibility and advocate for policy changes to protect the planet.
3. Eyes of the Orangutan (2021)
A debut feature by internationally acclaimed environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski, Eyes of the Orangutan details the abuse of primates in the tourism industry. The film documents how orangutans and other wildlife animals are forcibly removed from their natural habitats and are made to perform for humans in degrading displays, as well as shed light on how orangutan-smuggling syndicates work. While there are no shortage of shocking and upsetting scenes, it’s an incredibly important film highlighting wildlife exploitation and tourism. It catalyzes the discussion, whether tourists are just as responsible and complicit in animal abuse, as the poachers.
4. 2040 (2019)
2040 is a refreshingly optimistic pick if you want something less grim. Rather than focusing on the urgency of problems, the solution-oriented documentary seeks out creative alternatives to tackle challenges of climate change.
In particular, it imagines technological breakthroughs which, supported by academics and ecological experts, have the potential to reverse the situation by the year 2040.
Cases in point include renewable energy like rooftop solar, shifts towards regenerative agricultural practices, and the versatile use of seaweeds as a facilitator of food security.
5. Chasing Ice (2012)
Chasing Ice is a visually stunning documentary that follows photographer James Balog as he is on the way to capture evidence of climate change through time-lapse photography. The film documents Balog's Extreme Ice Survey, which aims to show the dramatic retreat of glaciers in the Arctic. Through breathtaking imagery and compelling storytelling, Chasing Ice illustrates the stark reality of climate change and its impact on the planet's ice reserves.
The documentary serves as a wake-up call, urging viewers to recognize the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for immediate action to preserve our environment.
6. Our Planet (2019)
Our Planet is a groundbreaking nature documentary series narrated by Sir David Attenborough. This visually stunning series showcases the beauty of the natural world while highlighting the threats posed by climate change and human activity. Each episode focuses on different ecosystems, from the frozen Arctic to the lush rainforests, revealing the interconnectedness of all living things. Our Planet not only captivates audiences with its breathtaking cinematography but also emphasizes the importance of conservation and sustainable practices. The series encourages viewers to appreciate the wonders of nature and take action to protect the planet for future generations.
7. An Inconvenient Truth (2006)
An Inconvenient Truth is a landmark documentary that brought global awareness to the issue of climate change. Featuring former Vice President Al Gore, the film presents a compelling case for the reality of global warming and its potential consequences. Through a combination of scientific data, personal anecdotes, and powerful visuals, Gore illustrates the urgent need for action to address climate change. An Inconvenient Truth played a significant role in shaping public discourse around environmental issues and continues to inspire individuals and communities to advocate for sustainable practices and policies.
These films collectively highlight the pressing challenges posed by climate change and the importance of taking action to protect our planet. Each documentary offers a unique perspective on the environmental crisis, encouraging viewers to reflect on their relationship with nature and consider the impact of their choices on the world around them.
Conclusion
The rise of cli-fi represents an exciting intersection of art (literature, film, paintings and Ai) with environmental activism. By engaging readers with captivating stories that reflect the realities of climate change, this genre has the potential to raise awareness, inspire action, and encourage meaningful conversations about our planet's future.
As the climate crisis continues to unfold, cli-fi is likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping public perception and motivating collective efforts toward a more sustainable world.
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Ai idealized image drawing moon and
tress as seen amid mountains
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References
Elif Shafak on "The revolutionary power of diverse thought", on Ted https://www.youtube.com
Robinson, K. S. (2012). *New York 2140*. Orbit.
Atwood, M. (2003). *Oryx and Crake*. Nan A. Talese.
Bacigalupi, P. (2009). *The Windup Girl*. Night Shade Books.
Ejaz, Sundus. (2022). A Review of Elif Shafak's The Island of Missing Trees. 10.13140/RG.2.2.31159.60326/2.
Sutari, Bellavita Hadiatul Laila (2022). Anthropocentrism And Its Impact On The Environment In Elif Shafak‟s The Island Of Missing Trees. Undergraduate Thesis
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