In contrast to the popularity of dystopian and apocalyptic films and novels reflecting growing anxieties about the future, far fewer narratives can be found about the transition to and life in sustainable futures. In a time of climate change, ecological decline, pollution, poverty and inequality there is a deepening need for hopeful and inspiring stories about how humanity will believably create a better world. Such stories are especially challenging both creatively, politically and commercially. In turn, the onset of “alternative facts” and modern “Newspeak” adds an additional dimension of confusion as to what is real, bringing to life the kind of cognitive labyrinths envisioned by Philip K. Dick.
In this presentation we will explore both the challenge as well as some of the creative efforts of writers and producers attempting to imagine pathways beyond dystopia toward more sustainable futures. In particular, we will explore aspects of world-building within climate fiction, postcolonial science fiction and the new space opera to address some current concerns and issues facing humanity in the new millennium.
About the presenterJeffrey H Barber
Independent scholar focusing on sustainable futures and transitions to sustainable production/consumption systems. President of Integrative Strategies Forum (ISF) and co-founder of the Global Research Forum on Sustainable Production and Consumption (GRF). Prior to ISF he conducted audience, media and innovation diffusion research at Peter Hart Research Associates, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Arbitron Ratings Company (now Nielsen Research), and Stanford Research Institute (SRI International). He was also co-founder of the San Francisco-based theater company, Mimesis.