Is my English Literature degree relevant in a world ravaged by climate change?
This question relies on whether you think art can help change the world. Many contemporary books and artists use their platforms to create more noise about the climate crisis. There is an abundance of non-fiction books tackling this theme. Peter Frankopan’s recent release, The Earth Transformed, shows how the world has shaped us as humans. This makes us wonder what damage we are doing now in shaping the planet for our wants. Fiction novels are part of this conversation as well. Not only is the “cli-fi” genre gaining attention, but climate change is also creeping into more genres the more pressing it becomes. Anyone walking past Blackwell’s Bookshop two months ago could see the window display for their fiction book of the month, Peter May’s A Winter Grave. For this traditional thriller novel, the dystopian setting adds an urgent, fragile atmosphere.
English students may also feel insecure because of the constant promotion of STEM subjects. Many of my English Literature colleagues chose their degree (like me) out of love for literature. Studying a subject because you love it and want to discover more is never wrong. This degree also teaches critical analysis, communication, and creative thinking. We need this brand of thinking if we are striving to tackle the climate crisis on all fronts.
The place for science in this rapidly changing world is unquestionable. However, there is room for English Literature students at the table too. A central principle taught in English Literature courses is the ability to research a book or a topic, form an opinion and then be able to argue and persuade others of the value of your point of view. Skills such as these are vital to convincing climate crisis deniers or big corporations to change their ways.
Critical thinking is crucial in a world that places news in our hands 24/7. We must be able to sieve genuine climate information from the misinformation. In a world such as this, English Literature students are armed with tools to tackle this crisis head-on.
Image: “Literatures in English, 1900-Present” by Idiolector is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.