Today's Read Team 
As climate change continues to dominate global discourse, a distinct literary genre known as climate fiction, or “cli-fi,” has surged into mainstream American literature in 2025. Authors are increasingly using fiction to explore the complex realities and consequences of environmental change, blending imaginative storytelling with urgent social commentary. Recent publications like Tides of Tomorrow by Maya Carter and The Last Green by Raj Patel exemplify this trend, engaging readers with narratives that combine bleak scenarios with hopeful possibilities.
Climate fiction emerged as a recognizable genre over the past decade but has experienced significant growth and diversification in the last two years. According to a 2025 report by the American Booksellers Association, sales of cli-fi novels have increased by nearly 40% compared to 2023, signaling growing public interest in environmental narratives.
Maya Carter’s Tides of Tomorrow, published in February 2025, offers a vivid portrayal of a coastal city struggling to adapt to rising sea levels. Drawing on her background as an environmental journalist, Carter crafts a narrative centered around a multigenerational family grappling with displacement, loss, and resilience. The novel’s detailed depiction of climate adaptation strategies — such as green infrastructure and community activism — reflects current real-world efforts underway in cities like Miami and New Orleans.
Critics have applauded Tides of Tomorrow for its balance of stark realism and nuanced character development. The Guardian describes it as “a hopeful yet honest look at a future shaped by climate crisis, one that reminds us of our capacity to endure and innovate.” The novel has become a bestseller on both coasts and is sparking discussions in book clubs nationwide.
Similarly, Raj Patel’s The Last Green, released in March 2025, explores a post-industrial America ravaged by environmental degradation but infused with grassroots movements aimed at restoration. Patel, an environmental activist and novelist, draws parallels between his fictional world and current ecological justice movements, highlighting the role of marginalized communities in climate leadership.
Patel’s novel has been praised for bringing social justice and environmental concerns into dialogue, providing readers with a layered, intersectional view of climate change. In Publishers Weekly, reviewer Jennifer Kline wrote, “The Last Green pushes climate fiction beyond the apocalypse trope, presenting a vision of activism and community that feels vital and urgent.”
The rise of cli-fi coincides with increasing awareness of the climate crisis among younger generations. Data from the Pew Research Center shows that 78% of Americans aged 18-34 see climate change as a “major threat,” a perspective that is reflected in the growing popularity of environmentally focused literature.
Literary festivals and bookshops have responded accordingly. The 2025 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books hosted a special panel titled “Stories of Our Changing Planet,” featuring Carter, Patel, and other cli-fi authors discussing how fiction can motivate climate action. Independent bookstores have reported increased demand for climate fiction, often curating themed sections to highlight the genre.
Beyond raising awareness, cli-fi is influencing broader cultural conversations. Dr. Hannah Lin, an environmental sociologist at UCLA, notes, “Climate fiction personalizes what can feel like an abstract problem. By inviting readers into lived experiences shaped by environmental change, these novels foster empathy and a sense of urgency.”
The genre also offers diverse approaches, from dystopian futures to more hopeful speculative fiction. Some authors incorporate Indigenous knowledge and ecological wisdom, enriching the genre’s perspectives and emphasizing sustainability and respect for the natural world.
Major publishers are investing heavily in climate fiction, recognizing its potential both commercially and socially. HarperCollins announced a new imprint in early 2025 dedicated exclusively to environmental literature, aiming to amplify voices addressing climate justice, adaptation, and resilience.
The genre’s growth is also fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, with authors working alongside scientists, activists, and educators to ensure accuracy and impact. This blending of fiction with factual grounding helps cli-fi bridge the gap between science and public engagement.
Looking forward, cli-fi is expected to remain a vital and evolving part of American literature. Its fusion of imaginative storytelling and pressing real-world issues ensures that it resonates deeply with readers and contributes meaningfully to the national conversation on climate change.