The stories we tell about the future have the power to shape the world we eventually create. From creative scientific solutions to climate change, to an economy built on ecological restoration, to the pursuit of right relationships in social systems and inclusive design, imagination has the power to shift what we see as possible.
Inspired by cutting-edge literary movements, such as Afrofuturism, hopepunk, and solarpunk, Afterglow imagines intersectional worlds in which no one is left behind—where humanity prioritizes equitable climate solutions. Whether through adaptation, reform, or a new understanding of survival, Afterglow offers flickers of hope, even joy, and a springboard for exploring how fiction can help create a better reality.
The SciFri Book Club from Science Friday and Looking Forward from Grist presented a live event featuring New York Times bestselling author Morgan Jerkins (This Will Be My Undoing, Wandering In Strange Lands and Caul Baby), environmental health professor and researcher Dr. Yoshira Ornelas Van Horne, Grist’s Creative Manager for Climate Fiction Tory Stephens, and artist and social movement strategist Aisha Shillingford, exploring the role that creativity and imagination play in helping society envision and achieve a just, sustainable, and inclusive world for all people.
The event also featured live readings from OBIE Award-winning writer and actor Eric Lockley (playwright, Sweet Chariot, The Public Theatre). This event is made possible thanks to sponsorship support from Marine Stewardship Council.
