#23 – Overpopulation and Environmental Collapse

S2E25: Lisa Yaszek Interview A Reader's History of Science Fiction

In the series finale, I interview Dr. Lisa Yaszek, a sci-fi historian from Georgia Tech, about where we can expect science fiction to go in the future. Dr. Yaszek's recommendations: Wormwood Trilogy by Tade Thompson The Matrix Sunspot Jungle, ed. Bill Campbell Other works discussed: Binti Trilogy by Nnedi Okorafor "The Sixth World" by Nanobah Becker The Stars are Legion by Kameron Hurley The Universe of Xuya series by Aliette de Bodard Unstoppable series by Charlie Jane Anders
  1. S2E25: Lisa Yaszek Interview
  2. S2E24: Catch-Up Episode #9: Classics Lightning Round
  3. S2E23: Space Opera
  4. S2E22: Catch-Up Episode #8: Space Sci-Fi
  5. S2E21: Donna Barba Higuera Interview

In the 60s and 70s, awareness of environmental issues was rising, and that was reflected in the New Wave of science fiction. Of particular note were overpopulation and pollution (leading to widespread environmental collapse). In this episode, we explore the highlights of this subgenre.

Book recommendation: Stand on Zanzibar by John Brunner

Other books mentioned:
Make Room! Make Room! by Harry Harrison
The Sheep Look Up by John Brunner
The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi

Paolo Bacigalupi interview on The Windup Girl

Check out this episode!

About Alex R. Howe

I'm a full-time astrophysicist and a part-time science fiction writer.
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1 Response to #23 – Overpopulation and Environmental Collapse

  1. Wyrd Smythe says:

    And the very obscure Half Past Human and The Godwhale by T.J. Bass.

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