Climate Fiction Prize Announces Inaugural Shortlist, Spotlighting Novels Addressing the Climate Crisis
Table of Contents
- Climate Fiction Prize Announces Inaugural Shortlist, Spotlighting Novels Addressing the Climate Crisis
- A Literary Beacon of Hope in a Warming World
- The 2025 shortlist: A Diverse Range of Climate Narratives
- the Judging Panel: Expertise and Passion for Climate Storytelling
- Beyond the Shortlist: Recognizing a Broader Spectrum of Climate Fiction
- The Power of Storytelling: Inspiring Hope and Action
- Climate Spring: Fueling the Narrative Shift
- Unveiling the Climate Fiction Prize: Can storytelling Save Our Future?
- A Literary Beacon of Hope in a Warming World
- The 2025 shortlist: A Diverse Range of Climate Narratives
- the Judging Panel: Expertise and Passion for Climate Storytelling
- Beyond the Shortlist: Recognizing a Broader Spectrum of Climate Fiction
- The power of Storytelling: Inspiring Hope and Action
- Climate Spring: Fueling the Narrative Shift
- Can Climate Fiction Change the World? An Interview with Dr. Evelyn Reed
World-Today-News.com | March 19, 2025
the Climate Fiction Prize, launched in June 2024, has announced its inaugural shortlist, featuring novels that grapple with the urgent realities of the climate crisis. This prestigious award, supported by climate Spring, aims to highlight the power of storytelling in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time.
A Literary Beacon of Hope in a Warming World
The Climate Fiction Prize,with a £10,000 award,seeks to “celebrate the most inspiring novels tackling the climate crisis” [[4]]. This initiative recognizes the vital role that fiction plays in raising awareness, fostering empathy, and inspiring action in the face of environmental challenges. In a world increasingly impacted by climate change, these stories offer a crucial lens through which to examine our present and imagine potential futures.
For U.S.readers, the prize underscores the growing importance of climate narratives in American literature and culture. From dystopian visions of a parched Southwest to hopeful tales of community resilience in the face of rising sea levels, American authors are increasingly engaging with climate themes. This prize helps elevate these voices and encourages further exploration of these critical issues.
The 2025 shortlist: A Diverse Range of Climate Narratives
The shortlist for the 2025 Climate Fiction Prize showcases a diverse range of narratives, each offering a unique viewpoint on the climate crisis and its impact on individuals and communities around the globe.
Quick Guide
The Climate Fiction prize shortlist 2025
Show
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (Sceptre)
And So I Roar by Abi Daré (Sceptre)
Briefly Very Beautiful by Roz Dineen (Bloomsbury)
Orbital by Samantha Harvey (Cape)
The Morningside by Téa Obreht (Weidenfeld)
- Orbital by Samantha Harvey: Harvey’s Booker-winning novel, set on the International Space Station, offers a unique perspective on Earth and its environmental challenges from above. This resonates with the growing awareness of “overview effect,” where astronauts report a profound shift in perspective upon seeing earth from space,often leading to a stronger sense of environmental duty.
- The Morningside by Téa Obreht: This novel tells the story of refugees from an unnamed country, highlighting the intersection of climate change and displacement. As climate change intensifies, leading to more frequent and severe weather events, displacement is becoming an increasingly urgent issue, both globally and within the U.S., where communities are already being forced to relocate due to rising sea levels and wildfires.
- And So I Roar by abi Daré: A sequel to The Girl with the Louding Voice, this novel follows 14-year-old Adunni in Lagos, exposing “the harsh realities faced by women and girls worldwide, underscored by intersectional environmental issues” [[1]]. Judge Tori Tsui calls it “a tough but essential read.” This highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, a critical consideration for policymakers and activists in the U.S. and abroad.
- briefly Very beautiful by Roz Dineen: This debut novel portrays a mother caring for her children in a city grappling with global catastrophe. Judge Nicola Chester describes it as “a haunting, fierce narrative of love, beauty and the desire to live through an accelerating crisis and a world on fire.” This resonates with the anxieties many Americans feel about the future and the challenges of raising children in an era of climate uncertainty.
- The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley: This novel, also longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, is praised by Madeleine Bunting as “climate fiction which manages to be both surprising and still make its point powerfully.” [[1]]. Described as “50% sci-fi thriller and 50% romcom” by Ella risbridger, it explores themes of the British empire, the refugee crisis, and the Cambodian genocide.
the Judging Panel: Expertise and Passion for Climate Storytelling
The judging panel comprises journalist Madeleine Bunting, climate justice activist Tori Tsui, author Nicola Chester, birdwatcher and writer David Lindo, and the Hay festival’s sustainability director Andy Fryers. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise ensure a extensive and insightful evaluation of the shortlisted novels.
Beyond the Shortlist: Recognizing a Broader Spectrum of Climate Fiction
The longlist for the prize included Praiseworthy by Alexis Wright,The Mars House by Natasha Pulley,Water Baby by Chioma Okereke,and Private Rites by Julia Armfield,demonstrating the breadth and depth of contemporary climate fiction.
The Power of Storytelling: Inspiring Hope and Action
According to judge Nicola Chester, the chosen books “promote and celebrate the power and joy of storytelling, to show us how we might see ourselves anew in the light of the climate crisis, and how we might respond to and rise to its challenges with hope and inventiveness.” This sentiment underscores the prize’s core mission: to harness the power of narrative to inspire meaningful action on climate change.
In the U.S.,this translates to a growing demand for stories that not only depict the realities of climate change but also offer pathways toward a more enduring and equitable future. From local initiatives to national policies, these narratives can help shape public discourse and motivate individuals to become active participants in the climate movement.
Climate Spring: Fueling the Narrative Shift
the Climate fiction Prize is supported by Climate Spring, ”a global institution with the aim to harness the storytelling power of…” [[4]]. This support highlights the growing recognition of the importance of narrative in driving social and environmental change. By investing in climate fiction, Climate Spring is helping to cultivate a more informed, engaged, and hopeful public.
Unveiling the Climate Fiction Prize: Can storytelling Save Our Future?
A Literary Beacon of Hope in a Warming World
The Climate Fiction Prize,with a £10,000 award,seeks to “celebrate the most inspiring novels tackling the climate crisis” [[4]]. this initiative recognizes the vital role that fiction plays in raising awareness, fostering empathy, adn inspiring action in the face of environmental challenges. In a world increasingly impacted by climate change, these stories offer a crucial lens through which to examine our present and imagine potential futures.
For U.S.readers, the prize underscores the growing importance of climate narratives in American literature and culture. From dystopian visions of a parched Southwest to hopeful tales of community resilience in the face of rising sea levels, American authors are increasingly engaging with climate themes. This prize helps elevate these voices and encourages further exploration of these critical issues.
The 2025 shortlist: A Diverse Range of Climate Narratives
The shortlist for the 2025 Climate Fiction Prize showcases a diverse range of narratives, each offering a unique viewpoint on the climate crisis and its impact on individuals and communities around the globe.
Quick Guide
The Climate Fiction prize shortlist 2025
Show
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (Sceptre)
And So I roar by Abi Daré (Sceptre)
briefly Very Beautiful by Roz Dineen (Bloomsbury)
Orbital by Samantha harvey (Cape)
The Morningside by Téa Obreht (Weidenfeld)
- Orbital by Samantha Harvey: Harvey’s Booker-winning novel, set on the International Space Station, offers a unique perspective on Earth and its environmental challenges from above. This resonates with the growing awareness of “overview effect,” where astronauts report a profound shift in perspective upon seeing earth from space,often leading to a stronger sense of environmental duty.
- The Morningside by Téa Obreht: This novel tells the story of refugees from an unnamed country, highlighting the intersection of climate change and displacement. As climate change intensifies, leading to more frequent and severe weather events, displacement is becoming an increasingly urgent issue, both globally and within the U.S., where communities are already being forced to relocate due to rising sea levels and wildfires.
- And So I Roar by abi Daré: A sequel to The Girl with the Louding Voice, this novel follows 14-year-old Adunni in Lagos, exposing “the harsh realities faced by women and girls worldwide, underscored by intersectional environmental issues” [[1]]. Judge Tori Tsui calls it “a tough but essential read.” This highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, a critical consideration for policymakers and activists in the U.S. and abroad.
- briefly Very beautiful by Roz Dineen: This debut novel portrays a mother caring for her children in a city grappling with global catastrophe. judge Nicola Chester describes it as “a haunting, fierce narrative of love, beauty and the desire to live through an accelerating crisis and a world on fire.” This resonates with the anxieties many Americans feel about the future and the challenges of raising children in an era of climate uncertainty.
- The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley: This novel, also longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, is praised by Madeleine Bunting as “climate fiction which manages to be both surprising and still make its point powerfully.” [[1]].Described as “50% sci-fi thriller and 50% romcom” by Ella risbridger, it explores themes of the British empire, the refugee crisis, and the Cambodian genocide.
the Judging Panel: Expertise and Passion for Climate Storytelling
The judging panel comprises journalist Madeleine Bunting, climate justice activist Tori tsui, author Nicola Chester, birdwatcher and writer David Lindo, and the Hay festival’s sustainability director Andy Fryers. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise ensure a extensive and insightful evaluation of the shortlisted novels.
Beyond the Shortlist: Recognizing a Broader Spectrum of Climate Fiction
The longlist for the prize included Praiseworthy by Alexis Wright,The Mars House by Natasha Pulley,Water Baby by Chioma Okereke,and Private Rites by Julia Armfield,demonstrating the breadth and depth of contemporary climate fiction.
The power of Storytelling: Inspiring Hope and Action
According to judge Nicola Chester, the chosen books “promote and celebrate the power and joy of storytelling, to show us how we might see ourselves anew in the light of the climate crisis, and how we might respond to and rise to its challenges with hope and inventiveness.” This sentiment underscores the prize’s core mission: to harness the power of narrative to inspire meaningful action on climate change.
In the U.S.,this translates to a growing demand for stories that not only depict the realities of climate change but also offer pathways toward a more enduring and equitable future. From local initiatives to national policies, these narratives can help shape public discourse and motivate individuals to become active participants in the climate movement.
Climate Spring: Fueling the Narrative Shift
the Climate fiction Prize is supported by Climate Spring, ”a global institution with the aim to harness the storytelling power of…” [[4]]. This support highlights the growing recognition of the importance of narrative in driving social and environmental change. by investing in climate fiction, Climate Spring is helping to cultivate a more informed, engaged, and hopeful public.
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Can Climate Fiction Change the World? An Interview with Dr. Evelyn Reed
World-today-News.com Senior Editor: Dr. Reed, welcome! It’s fascinating to see how the Climate Fiction Prize is spotlighting stories about the climate crisis. But, let’s be frank: Can novels truly make a difference in addressing such a monumental challenge?
Dr. Evelyn Reed, Climate Narrative Expert: Thank you for having me. That’s a fantastic question. I believe the answer is a resounding yes. Fiction possesses an unparalleled ability to foster empathy, which is crucial for navigating the complexities of climate change. unlike scientific reports or policy papers, novels can delve into the human experience; making climate change feel real and relatable. Novels not only help us understand the *what* of climate change but also the *how* it impacts individuals, communities, and the world.
The Power of Story: Shaping Perception and Driving Action
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: The Climate Fiction Prize aims to celebrate the most inspiring novels. but how does a novel actually inspire action? can you give us some examples?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Certainly. Look at works like “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler. Though written decades ago,it resonates powerfully today because it portrays the world as the result of climate collapse. It creates a sense of urgency that prompts readers to consider: Should we, as a society, be taking preventative measures? Similarly, the novel “The Water Dancer” explores themes of ancient injustice. These stories can stimulate vital conversations about the equity of climate solutions within the U.S. and globally. Moreover, climate fiction doesn’t have to be dystopian; it can offer models of resilience and adaptation. consider the growing genre of solarpunk, which imagines enduring, technologically advanced societies, offering a hopeful vision of the future.
Beyond the Headlines: Exploring Key Climate Fiction Themes
World-today-News.com Senior Editor: The Climate Fiction Prize showcases a diverse range of narratives. Are there recurring themes or types of characters that are particularly effective in climate fiction?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: absolutely. Several key themes consistently emerge. One potent theme is environmental justice. as climate change is often felt most severely by marginalized communities, many stories focus on the disproportionate impacts of climate change and explore the ethical dimensions of environmental stewardship. We see this reflected in the Climate Fiction prize shortlist, with novels like “*And So I Roar*” exploring impacts on Nigerian girls.
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Another prominent theme involves stories of adaptation and resilience. These narratives show how people and communities cope with rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and resource scarcity.
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Another crucial theme is stories that highlight the impact of climate change on everyday life. These frequently enough focus on how it affects relationships, mental health, and the fabric of communities. This type of storytelling is particularly resonant because it makes the abstract and often overwhelming issue of climate appear more personal.
Climate Fiction and the American Reader
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: This prize is particularly relevant to American readers. In your opinion, how are American authors and the American public responding to climate fiction?
Dr.Evelyn Reed: American authors are increasingly embracing climate themes, fueled by events such as wildfires across the West Coast, and powerful hurricanes along the Gulf Coast. These narratives, in turn, generate conversations about the role individuals, communities, and the government can take to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis.Stories that feature the rising sea levels impact on coastal communities or heat waves felt across the nation are very common.
American readers are also growing increasingly receptive. There is a growing desire for stories that, while acknowledging the gravity of the situation, offer a spark of hope and emphasize the importance of collective action. We are seeing increasing popularity in books addressing climate change. Novels that provide insights into climate anxiety, and ways to address it, have found a receptive audience as well.
The Future of Climate Storytelling
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: The Climate Fiction Prize is supported by Climate Spring. What role do organizations like this play in the future of climate writing?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Funding organizations like Climate Spring, which understand the narrative’s importance, are vital. They support authors, promote climate fiction to a wider audience, and help to shape the conversation. They also open opportunities for diverse voices to be heard, giving the climate storytelling space a richness that it would not or else have. I believe we will see rising investment in climate fiction and othre forms of climate narrative as societal demands expand.
Consider how governments and NGOs fund climate research. We should also provide support to creative individuals who can communicate complex data to make climate change understandable and, more importantly, inspire action.
