Stephen Markley on The Deluge and the Second Renaissance

In this interview Rufus Pollock speaks with Stephen Markley, author of The Deluge, to explore the urgent themes raised in his latest novel.

In this interview Rufus Pollock speaks with Stephen Markley, author of The Deluge.

The Deluge is an epic, dystopian novel that traces the unfolding climate crisis between 2013 and 2040.With a diverse range of characters—from activists and eco-terrorists to politicians and policymakers—the book blends current realities with speculative futures, offering both a compelling narrative and a stark look at the potential paths forward.

In this conversation, Rufus and Stephen explore the motivations behind The Deluge, the delicate balance between despair and hope in the face of climate breakdown, and how fiction can serve as a powerful tool for societal transformation. The discussion explores the second renaissance—a shift driven by what many see as a meta-crisis rooted in the foundations of our current social and cultural systems, and how art and storytelling can play a pivotal role in envisioning a wiser, weller world.

Through The Deluge, Markley explores the theme of a dark renaissance, where crises spark the potential for renewal and transformation, leaving us to ponder, can today’s challenges ignite a brighter tomorrow?

With thanks to Rupert Read and the Climate Majority Project. Event hosted at the Life Itself Praxis Hub on September 20th 2024.

Watch the interview here