Science Fiction and Empire on Environmentalism

One of the important aspects of apprehension assembly that sets it apart of almost solely other genres is its mightiness to influence the direction of hu existence. By stimulating a readers thoughts of the possibility of different succeeding(a)s, non only does science fictionalization serving as a public source of entertainment, but it in like manner encourages matchless to analyze the possible prospective effects of the generations baronholders and their decisions.As a science fiction writer himself, Isaac Asimov once said, Intelligent science fiction writers attempt to look at world trends in science and engine room for plot inspiration and, in doing so, they some terms get a glimpse of things that later turn out to be near the truth (Asimov, foliate 79). Through the white plague of empires as the exponenthouses of society, SF obliges like War of the Worlds and Foundation jabbing deep into the question of what would happen if societies continued to allow the prog ression of noisome and commercial technologies.Frank Herberts, dune, also questions the future of the universe while shining a spotlight on the clash betwixt serviceman and the environment. By providing a glimpse of the future as a product of current proficient counter transfer, science fiction helps an audience examine which way they want to figure of speech the progression of adult male kind, and therefore provides a unique service to the world. Since the commencement ceremony of time, the purpose of technology has been to enable one to do something that otherwise would be impossible.Technology is an incredibly powerful tool, but with great power infers great responsibility. constituent as a symbol of power, positive technological development leave alone generally distinguish a near(a) empire from an detestation one, in both the real world and the world of science fiction. In the unfermented The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells, a Martian invasion leaves a previousl y invincible British Empire in ruins. The aliens violently expressive a total disregard for human life and the environment of earthly concern. Weapons, called Heat-Rays are utilize against the humans and completely destroy everything in their way.These laser guns were a best prediction of future military technologies, resembling those of mass destruction cognise today. The books use of mass destruction of both the human charge and the environment draws attention to our take aimets possible future if atomic weapons were ever to be placed in the hands of enemies with ruthless hostility. Perhaps one of the most famous SF writers of all time, Isaac Asimov has also evince his distaste for noxious technologies. The Earth sees environmental problems right now that hazard the imminent destruction of civilization and the end of the planet as a livable world.Humanity can non afford to waste its financial and emotional resources on endless, purposeless quarrels in the midst of e ach group and all others. There must be a sense of globalism in which the world unites to solve the real problems that face all groups alike (Asimov, page 5). However, his book, Foundation, serves as an interesting contrast to the imperialistic warfare from The War of the Worlds. Focusing on a trend that the holy person progression of civilization may one day reach, this book introduces a pacifistic society in which violence is considered the delay refuge of the incompetent.However, the environments render in Foundation are inconsistent with Herberts conception that a peaceful universe pass on also be rich in ecology. Given that violence was spoken as a thing of the past, and fetching into consideration the environment of planets like Trantor consisted of civilization under a trade name dome, this may further imply that violence and mass destruction get down already taken their toll on universe of that time. This may signify that total destruction of personality, by evil technologies, was what finally convinced humanity to become a pacifistic universe.Asimovs use of ecology as a sacrifice made in order for peace among mankind questions if future pacifism will be possible before the revilement of technology annihilates Mother Nature forever. Conserving the environment seems to be a popular theme in SF, especially after the publication of sand dune in 1965. This book depicts a future universe where even though a nuclear holocaust of the human race is not an issue, other powerhouses personal business continue to dominate in priority over the environment of planets. Dune encompasses an interesting parallel that would almost exactly predict current issues.Global gigantic controversy that major industrial accidents have significantly negative impacts on global environmental degradation is one of the main apprehensions among environmentalists today. These insecuritys include human obtaind climate change, ozone depletion, and the loss of biodiversit y, and if remain ignored will put out to the inhabitability of earth. Dunes harsh withdraw from environment may not have been a result of human interference with nature, but the misfortune to proliferate a lush green ecosystem, because of an empires concern of profit off the spice trade, does express concerns of global industrialization.This planet, originally known as Arrakis, is described as the empires wasteland, while at the same time cosmos the most valuable planet in the universe. This inverse relationship between commercial gain and ecological brilliance pep ups a need for major change in the distribution of power in a globally economy, especially aiming to put a maintain to exploitation of earths natural resources by industrial power-heads. Dune ultimately criticizes commercial empires for valuing profit over concerns for ecology, and above all pressures for change that will benefit the common good of humanity. What distinguishes us human beings from all the less adva nced forms of life on earth is that, having at last become conscious of the challenge of survival, we have consciously undertaken to shape our own future. This requires us to look ahead, even beyond the span of every hotshot generation (4). This quote, published by the Council of Foreign Relations in a journal for Foreign Affairs, surprisingly has no intentional relationship to SF. It does, however, coincidently represent not only the current impact of science on progression of humanity, but also embodies the underlying theme of Foundation.Foundation is focused almost a character named Hary Seldon, who uses the science of Psychohistory to predict the future of mankind. While conducting his research, Seldon discovers that the astronomic Empire, which is currently in power, will soon fall, and a new empire will not arise for thirty thousand years. Knowing that the time between empires will be nothing but barbarism, Seldon initiates a plan to create a compendium of all human knowle dge, called the Encyclopedia Galactica, that will ultimately decrease the time of the dark age to one third base of its original prediction.Seldons goal to modify the quality of life for the hoi polloi of the collapsing empire, through knowledge, is significantly similar to environmentalists research efforts to prevent the demise of earths ecosystems. Considering that crisis aversion through science has very much come to life, it can be concluded that SF can, to some extent, predict the future. A nuclear physicist, by the name of Dr. Ron Nielson, coincidently posses m each of the characteristics of Seldon in Foundation, almost as if Hary had come to life. In 2005, Dr. Nielson published a book called The Green enchiridion Seven Trends Shaping the Future of Our Planet, which he described as an crucial reference for anyone who cares about the future of the planet. It surveys not only the deterioration of our visible environment but also economic, social, and political trends that give an understanding as to how these critical issues can be addressed. There are many similarities between Dr. Nielson and Hary Seldon, but the most meaningful quality would be that both scientists advocate change in humanity for a cause that they will not be alive to redeem the benefits of.Unlike industry officials, who are only raise in immediate commercial gain, these two men embody the characteristics of a true SF hero one who protects of the progression of the future of humanity. The hero of Dune, capital of Minnesota, is a character of interesting complexity that also strives to change trends in the ecology of his planet, much like Dr. Neilson. capital of Minnesota is different from his family and social class in the sense that he feels a great connection to the environment, similar to those of the innate people of Arrakis, called Fremen.The Fremen dream of a surreal utopia in which the harsh desert environment is metamorphosized into a lush self-sustainable ecosystem, in w hich the scarcity of water is no longer an issue. With the help of the Fremen and an ecologist named Kynes, Paul is victorious against his greedy rival, the Baron Harkonnen. Paul exhibited characteristics exactly opposite of the Barons ruthlessness. When a sandstorm jeopardize workers in the spice mines and a large shipment of spice, Paul did not hesitate to sacrifice the spice for the lives of his people.The book places a special sieve on the absence of a sense of altruism and respect for nature in the antagonists character and empire. Herberts characterizations, that embody the repugn of good versus evil, are suggestive that drastic policy changes must be met by either a change in morals and value of the people in charge, or a complete overthrow of governance by advocates who have righteous intentions for the future of mankind. The association of the word utopia with the mental picture of nature makes the theme of environmentalism even more than obvious in this refreshing.T he novel is strongly suggestive that environmental problems of today cannot be ignored any longer. Frank Herbert and Dr. Neilson share a common objective of advocating environmentalism through their writing. The divergence is that Herbert incorporates it into fictional pieces of literature, while Neilson chooses a more scientific and direct grade of expression. Herberts use SF literature, to push for a green movement by society, shows how SF can be used as a tool to improve scientific literacy and knowledge of future concerns associated with our current usage of technology. Science fiction ses a blend of entertainment and science to create, what some might, call more effective means of scientifically educating an audience. The impact of science fiction does not just stop at a mere introduction of scientific problems to the public. Plots of science fiction often offer possible plans of action to induce change and progression in a positive direction. In both Dune and Foundation, go vernment or politics was used to bridge the break of serve between what was happening and what needed to happen. In these novels, as well as in real life, possesion of high political power is almost perpetually a requirement for initiating radical change.In Dune, Paul inherited his fathers position and power. By joining forces with the Fremen, Paul became the leader of a mini-empire in hopes to put an end to the exploitation of the planets resources by the evil Harkonnens. It was not until Paul was named the new emperor of the universe, however, that his plans to change the planet into a garden paradise could finally begin. Dr. Neilson chose to end the preface of his book encouraging policy-makers, decision-makers, and journalists to use their influences and lifelong experiences to help steer away from the future taking an undesirable course of events.However, this encouragement does not give a compendious solution the problem he lists in The Green Handbook. Applying concepts fr om the three SF books being analyzed, the process to change the course of the seven trends that Neilson feels are slowly degrading our planet, a high position of power among policy changers must startle be obtained. A book by Michael Howes, called Politics and the Environment risk and the role of government and industry, gives intense incite to what further needs to be done to save our planet.This book focuses on meeting the challenge of undoing environmental risks with more technical innovation and economic reform. It also shines a light on the roadblock that people who deny that there is any serious risk are causing, mainly those who benefit from industry. The struggle between those interested in commercial gain and those who attempt to advocate change to benefit the environment is realistic problem often portrayed in SF. Dune, Foundation, and War of the Worlds all express a common concern for what impacts destructive technologies, like weapons and exploitative industries, may h ave on the future of mankind.These books also seem to preach that good motives and compassion for humanity are qualities of good empires, while evil ones are still focused on the use of violence and greed. The power placed in the hands of the most influential people of the empire is also a symbol of responsibility of those to eer make decisions for the greater good of humanity. Governments of todays nations could effectively distract future ecological crisis on earth by balancing power scientists and big industry officials. The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom (Asimov, pg 13). By taking a glimpse into the future, politicians that value the earths well-being can be the change needed to save the planet, ultimately making them heroes like Paul and Seldon. In this case, science fiction may also be efficacious tool in impacting the public to push for changes from politicians. The ability of the genre of SF to unfeig nedly impact the future of technology makes it the most relevant type of literature in current time.