Ecological Science Fiction
Ecological science fiction, or eco-fiction, explores concepts involving nature and the environment. That environment could be Earth. On the other hand, it could be somewhere else in the cosmos. It could even be a newly-created world from the author’s imagination. Koraalen is a unique planet that existed solely in my mind until I brought it to life on paper. The next most natural step—publishing it for you to explore.
Eco-fiction typically centers on the relationship between the characters and the environment. It generally introduces a change within the environment with potentially disastrous consequences. In some cases, this change could undoubtedly have occurred naturally. Alternatively, humanoids could have caused it. Regardless, the story develops around how the change impacts the environment and the characters who live there. Do the characters have any control? Can they remedy the problem? Or, as a result, are they forced to create a new way of life?
Why am I Drawn to Ecological Science Fiction?
I enjoy writing about my passions. I am passionate about environmental issues and always have been. Even as a child, I centered my science projects around subjects like:
- Pollution
- Endangered species
- Botany
I also enjoy sharing messages. These messages could range anywhere from positive and uplifting, to warnings and exhortations. Regardless of the path they take, Ecological Science Fiction is the perfect platform for me to share some of these messages. These messages inspire and move me. I want them to inspire and move others, as well.
For example, I see a need for growth and change within our society regarding the ways that we approach our natural resources. Consequently, I want to inspire others to see things from a new perspective.
The people who read my books will play various roles in society—students, teachers, doctors, politicians, hospitality workers, etc. Everyone is unique, which means that everyone will relate to my messages differently. In whatever way they connect, I hope they are inspired to make choices that affect positive change.
Check out Ecological Science Fiction
In conclusion, I encourage you to explore the ecological science fiction genre. You can find out more about it on this page at the Best Science Fiction Books website. Want an even more in-depth look? Check out What is Ecofiction?
And, of course, you can experience it for yourself in the world that I created in my novel, Koraalen: Planetary Symbiosis.
Connect
All things considered, what are your thoughts on this genre?
Have you read books that you think fit this topic?
By the same token, did you read my book? What did you think?
Let me know in the comments below!
I recommend, if you haven’t read it, The Legacy of Heorot–by Niven & Pournelle. It’s set in a planet colony in deep space, where their community is learning how to adapt to and manage their new planetary ecology, with dangerous results. It is not only a fascinating scientific journey, but an exciting adventure with high stakes, rich characters, and a fascinating alien ecology.
Jerry, thank you for that! I will definitely put it on my reading list!
I remember reading the Legacy of Heorot. It’s a story of human settlers learning the ecology of another world only in order to eradicate the native creatures more effectively – understanding ecology is a tool of conquest, and the pre-existing native species are monsters (hence the Beowulf / Grendel reference). It makes an interesting comparision with Ursula K. Leguin’s The Word for World is Forest (written in the 70s) – Leguin’s human invaders are still brutal colonists, but the viewpoint is sympathetic to the oppressed planet’s inhabitants. Maybe someone needs to write Heorot from the point of view of the grendels…..
In Koraalen, Heather Murata’s ocean planet where sentient corals nurture and support the human inhabitants, the symbiotic nature of the ecological web is the message – it’s a modern take on the interconnectedness of the planetary biosphere. Humans are neither invaders nor solely in charge, but a part of the whole.
Hi Piri! Thank you for the insight into The Legacy of Heorot. Given that information, it does appear that another story written from the Grendel’s perspective would be timely.
Ursula K. Leguin’s, The Word for World is Forest is also now on my reading list.
And thank you very much for your observations regarding my book, Koraalen: Planetary Symbiosis!