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International Cli-Fi Day is observed every April 20, shining a light on climate change fiction, a genre that uses storytelling to explore the impacts of global warming. Dive into novels and films that imagine humanity’s future in a changing world. Engage with these powerful narratives and consider how you can contribute to a more sustainable planet.
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History of International Cli-Fi Day
Fiction teaches us about the world we live in. Human beings are not the only inhabitants of Earth. We are surrounded by ecosystems full of different forms of life: plants, animals, fungi, protists, archaea, and bacteria. These different forms of life interact with each other in perfect synchronization. Human activities interrupt this perfect interaction, which has consequences for our planet. Nowadays, the genre of climate fiction or cli-fi is emerging and teaches us about the climate change crisis that will affect our lives for as long as we inhabit Earth.
In simple words, climate fiction is stories or films that deal with climate change or stories about global warming. It is often speculative and tries to show how humanity would deal with a climate disaster in a world similar to our own or the future. Technology that has been built to combat climate change is often included. The term climate fiction is relatively new. It started gaining prominence around 2010, in light of our more recent knowledge of the seriousness of climate change. Nowadays, more and more books are surfacing about the topic.
The term ‘cli-fi’ was created by freelance writer Dan Bloom in 2011 in a press release for Jim Laughter’s “Polar City Red — a Novel” dealing with climate refugees in a future Alaska. Bloom published “The Cli-Fi Report,” an online resource serving all things climate fiction. Climate fiction highlights and intensifies the present and future risks of climate change in a way that reporting simply cannot.
International Cli-Fi Day timeline
Eunice Foote describes recreating the greenhouse effect with glass jars.
The first documentary to ever mention climate change is “The Unchained Goddess,” which is part of an educational film series overseen by Frank Capra.
In light of our more recent knowledge of the seriousness of climate change, more and more books deal with the topic.
He coins the term in a press release for Jim Laughter’s “Polar City Red,” a novel about climate refugees in a future Alaska.
International Cli-Fi Day FAQs
When is International Cli-Fi Day?
In 2027, International Cli-Fi Day is observed on Tuesday, April 20, offering another opportunity to engage with climate change fiction and its vital messages.
How popular is cli-fi as a genre?
The genre of cli-fi continues to gain traction, with more authors, filmmakers, and readers turning to these stories for both entertainment and insight into environmental challenges. Its relevance is expected to grow as climate discussions intensify.
What is the purpose of Cli-Fi Day?
The day serves to promote climate literacy and engagement by showcasing the diverse range of climate change fiction available. It underscores how creative works can help us visualize and understand the potential futures shaped by environmental shifts.
What is the difference between cli-fi and science fiction?
The key differentiator for cli-fi is its central theme: climate change. While science fiction encompasses a vast array of futuristic or speculative concepts, cli-fi specifically uses the framework of fiction to examine the causes, effects, and potential solutions related to our planet’s changing climate.
How to Observe International Cli-Fi Day
Watch a climate change movie
Nowadays there are a lot of climate change movies. Some of the latest releases in the genre are “Don´t Look Up” and “Kiss The Ground.”
Share a sustainable habit
There are lots of things we can do to take care of our planet and ensure our continued existence. You can share what you do to fight pollution and global warming, for instance, by reducing the use of plastics.
Read a book about climate change
There are a lot of books to read about climate change. One good option is “The New Climate War” by Michale Mann. He explains how the fossil fuel industry has adjusted its tactics from outright climate denial to obstruction of change and shifting the burden of responsibility to individuals, thereby delaying necessary action to push for systemic changes.
5 Consequences Of Climate Change
Changes in rainfall
Due to climate change, many places have experienced changes in rainfall, the consequences of which are floods, droughts, or intense rain, as well as frequent and severe heat waves.
Changes in glaciers and oceans
The planet's oceans and glaciers have also experienced changes due to climate change; oceans are warming and becoming more acidic, ice caps are melting, and the sea level is rising.
Impact on human health
Climate change worsens air and water quality, increasing the spread of diseases, and altering the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
Changes in coastal communities
Climate change raises the sea level and threatens coastal communities and ecosystems.
Changes in geographic ranges
Changing ecosystems force animal species to migrate to other areas, which may lead to changes in their lifecycle.
Why International Cli-Fi Day is Important
Cli-fi raises awareness about climate change
Climate change movies raise awareness about the serious consequences that climate change has on our planet. It highlights the occurrence of natural disasters with irreversible damages.
It is an opportunity to share sustainable habits
We all need to start introducing sustainable habits to our daily life. Every small contribution counts.
Cli-fi makes us think about our planet
These films show different forms of life, ecosystems, and wildlife. This makes us realize that we are not alone on this planet.
