The Ministry for the Future

Synopsis

ONE OF BARACK OBAMA'S FAVOURITE READS OF THE YEAR

'If I could get policymakers and citizens everywhere to read just one book this year, it would be Kim Stanley Robinson's The Ministry for the Future' Ezra Klein, Vox

'A great read' Bill Gates

The Ministry for the Future is a masterpiece of the imagination, using fictional eyewitness accounts to tell the story of how climate change will affect us all. Its setting is not a desolate, postapocalyptic world, but a future that is almost upon us. Chosen by Barack Obama as one of his favorite books of the year, this extraordinary novel from visionary writer Kim Stanley Robinson will change the way you think about the climate crisis.

'A novel that presents a rousing vision of how we might unite to overcome the greatest challenge of our time' TED.com

'A breathtaking look at the challenges that face our planet in all their sprawling magnitude and also in their intimate, individual moments of humanity' Booklist (starred review)

'Gutsy, humane . . . a must-read for anyone worried about the future of the planet' Publishers Weekly (starred review)

'A sweeping epic about climate change and humanity's efforts to try and turn the tide before it's too late' Polygon (Best of the Year)

'Steely, visionary optimism' Guardian

About the Publisher

Orbit

Orbit is the place to go for outstanding Science Fiction and Fantasy. With a fantastic range of international bestsellers, including Jim Butcher, Trudi Canavan and Brent Weeks, and exciting new talent such as Ann Leckie, James S. A. Corey M. R. Carey and Claire North, Orbit is one of the most dynamic and successful imprints in the field. With a dedicated team sharing a passion for speculative fiction, Orbit is committed to broadening the audience for SF and Fantasy. Science Fiction and Fantasy is becoming increasingly popular within mainstream readership and Orbit is at the forefront of the action, staff in hand.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Ministry

* Introduces Mary Murphy, a woman who becomes the first Minister for the Future.
* The Ministry's mission is to prepare for the devastating consequences of climate change and protect the interests of future generations.

Example: Mary Murphy's team identifies a catastrophic drought as an imminent threat and develops strategies to mitigate its impact.

Chapter 2: The Heat

* Explores the impact of extreme heat on a future society.
* A deadly heatwave in India kills thousands of people, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate risks.

Example: Dilly Basu, a research scientist, devises an innovative cooling system that helps communities survive extreme temperatures.

Chapter 3: The Storm

* Depicts the aftermath of a devastating hurricane that sweeps through the Caribbean.
* The storm causes widespread destruction, displacing millions of people and threatening food security.

Example: The Ministry collaborates with local organizations to establish temporary shelters and distribute relief supplies.

Chapter 4: The Flood

* Examines the consequences of rising sea levels on coastal cities.
* Mumbai faces the threat of submersion, forcing its inhabitants to confront the future of their home.

Example: Architects design floating structures and vertical cities to accommodate the increasing water levels.

Chapter 5: The Fire

* Illustrates the impact of wildfires on ecosystems and communities.
* A catastrophic wildfire in the United States destroys forests, pollutes air quality, and disrupts entire regions.

Example: The Ministry organizes a coalition of firefighters and scientists to develop innovative firefighting techniques.

Chapter 6: The Swarm

* Explores the threat of locust swarms exacerbated by climate change.
* Locusts devastate crops in Africa, causing widespread hunger and social unrest.

Example: Entomologists harness technology to predict locust movements and develop more effective pest control strategies.

Chapter 7: The Plague

* Discusses the potential for new diseases to emerge as a result of environmental degradation.
* A deadly virus outbreak in Asia spreads rapidly, threatening global health.

Example: Researchers race against time to develop vaccines and treatments.

Chapter 8: The War

* Examines the geopolitical implications of climate change.
* Water shortages and resource competition lead to conflicts between nations.

Example: The Ministry fosters international cooperation and diplomacy to prevent armed conflicts.

Chapter 9: The Future

* Offers a glimpse into a possible future where humanity has adapted to the challenges of climate change.
* Renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and resilient infrastructure contribute to a thriving and equitable society.

Example: Innovations such as carbon capture technology and ocean restoration help mitigate the effects of climate change and preserve biodiversity.