ETHPrague 2024

Why Climate Fiction Matters
05-31, 12:00–12:25 (Europe/Prague), Flower Stage

From concept to practice, award-winning author Qiufan CHEN explores the power of climate fiction and explain why it matters to humans, the planet, and the future.


Climate fiction, or "cli-fi," is a genre of literature that explores the potential consequences of anthropogenic climate change on human societies and the environment. It has become an increasingly popular and relevant form of storytelling in recent decades due to the intensification of global warming and the growing public awareness of its implications. As the consequences of climate change become more apparent and pressing, climate fiction will likely continue to evolve in response to the shifting socio-political landscape. In a world grappling with the existential threat of climate change, the role of artistic narratives—particularly science fiction—becomes not just an aesthetic choice but a moral imperative. It's not a passive genre; it's a call to action. It motivates us to participate in shaping our future rather than being mere spectators. It's the narrative equivalent of "Bodhisattva Vow"—a commitment to work for the enlightenment and liberation of all sentient beings.

Chen Qiufan (a.k.a. Stanley Chan) is an award-winning speculative fiction author, creative producer, research fellow, and early investor. His works include Waste Tide and AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future (co-authored with Dr. Kai-Fu Lee).