Climate change and its reflection in contemporary German literature

In response to the climate crisis and growing ecological awareness, contemporary literature has increasingly explored themes of environmental degradation and the strained relationship between humans and nature. The emergence of the literary subgenre “climate fiction” or “cli-fi” reflects the growing concern over ecological issues, exploring topics such as climate change, resource depletion, biodiversity loss, forced migration, and survival in a world affected by environmental collapse. Contemporary German literature addresses climate change, reflecting societal concerns about environmental degradation and the future of the planet. Authors like Frank Schätzing and Juli Zeh address the impact of the climate crisis, highlighting the complex and often tense relationship between humans and nature, explore ecological collapse and existential crises through genres such as ecological realism and dystopian science fiction, delving into a society struggling with existential and environmental issues. In this context, literature becomes an essential tool in raising public awareness and influencing political and social debates concerning the environment.