What Climate Fiction Should Accomplish
This article explores the challenges literary fiction faces in capturing the reality of climate change and planetary instability. It discusses whether traditional storytelling methods are sufficient to convey the 'uncanny' experience of a warming world.
Why it matters
It reflects a growing cultural discourse on how art and literature can help society process the psychological and existential impacts of the climate crisis.
Can a novel capture the shock of planetary instability?
Steve Russell / Toronto Star / Getty July 24, 2026, 1:45 PM ET Share Save This is an edition of the Books Briefing, our editors’ weekly guide to the best in books. Sign up for it here.
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