Genre Research- Climate Fiction

Why Climate Fiction?

  As I consider the genres of romance and drama that I originally wanted to work with, the less I want to pursue a project revolving around them. These were my first picks because they're the movies I'm typically drawn to. However, as the producer, I hope to have a meaningful message. I understand romance, drama, and all other genres have their own intentions. I want to produce a project that I will feel content with in the end. I decided on Climate Fiction because it's something I'm passionate about and will enjoy every step developing.

What is Climate fiction?

    Climate fiction is a genre that features the effects of a changing climate. It's rooted in Science fiction, but also involves realism. Generally, the plot revolves around nature, weather, and overall environment. It can also focus on economical, political, ideological, or technological processes. Humanity's impact on the planet is another important topic. The purpose of Cli-fi is to make people care about and connect to climate change.

Climate fiction conventions?

    Cli-fi typically are high budget produced films. They are filled with special effects to display accuracy and realism. For example, to depict snowstorms, rising sea levels, tornadoes, and more. Important environmental messages are presented but the story is kept entertaining to attract a variety of people. The films can make people more willing to take environmentally friendly actions. For example, purchasing fuel efficient cars or joining a global warming group. There is often an anxious alarmed mood throughout the story. 

What is climate fictions' target audience?

• Ages 15-25 
• Male and female 
• Liberal 
• Concerned about climate change 
• Care about nonhuman life 
• Enjoy environmental literature 

Examples of Climate Fiction films?

   

The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

    The Day After Tomorrow (2004) can be classified as Climate Fiction. The film strives to address the pressuring issue of climate change in 2004. A paleo climatologist predicts global warming will lead to another major ice age. When he presents the evidence at a UN conference, government officials declare him a "sensationalist." Days after the conference, his prediction came true. The film is representative of the politics and climate phenomena leading into 2004, and is still relevant today. It was successful in creating discussion for environmentalists, scientists, and politicians. Although the science aspect wasn't 100% accurate, the film raised awareness around global warming.

Interstellar (2014) 

    Interstellar (2014) is an additional example of a cli-fi production. Although it's about outer space, it also relates to our own planet. The story starts with a dying earth that is unable to support humanity. A human factor relevant to the story is the the North American Dust Bowl during the 1930s. The dusty scenes in the film that depict the main characters farm and local town convey this message. Climate change occurred due to civilization and their lack of preparation. It displays a world erased by peoples own actions. 

Sources: 

https://read.dukeupress.edu/environmental-humanities/article/10/2/473/136689/The-Influence-of-Climate-FictionAn-Empirical

https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2020/05/cli-fi-movies-a-guide-for-socially-distanced-viewers/

https://www.science.smith.edu/climatelit/cli-fi/