Each time we’ve published a new set of Imagine 2200 winners, I’ve found myself drawn to a particular facet of this project, a core element that defines our approach to climate fiction here at Grist and what makes Imagine unique. In past years, I’ve pondered the origin story of Imagine and the rich literary legacies that inspired the team, the powerful role our imaginations play in shaping the world we wish to see, and the importance of hope and why we emphasize solutions. This year, my reflections turn to another crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect: the profound importance of culture in shaping the narratives of climate fiction.
[Explore the 2025 Imagine collection]
Imagine 2200 is a global project. For this year’s contest, our fourth, we received over 1,200 stories from more than 100 countries. The international aspect is one of my favorite parts of our approach to climate fiction, not just for the opportunity it provides global authors to try their hand at a speculative and imaginative genre, but also for the opportunity it provides us as readers t... Read more
