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The meteorologist, John Hammond explores how science fiction has long served as a barometer for our wonder, curiosity and sometimes anxiety about the environment. With expert insight from Sarah Dillon - Professor of Literature and the Public Humanities and Professor of Human Geography Mike Hulme, we find out how writers imagined – sometimes very accurately – the changing world around them.

We also hear from John's Â鶹Éç Weather Centre colleague and friend, Sarah Keith-Lucas about the challenges of communicating complex science in an accessible and relevant way.

As we reach the turn of the millennium on our journey through fiction, we hear Patricia Cumper’s powerful drama 'Biomass' from 1999.

CAST:
Daniel .... Eddie Nestor
Janet ....Rakie Ayola
Sailor .... Oscar James
Precious .... Angela Wynter
Roddy .... Felix Dexter
Minister Collins .... Stefan Kalipha
Hopeton .... Lloyd Notice
Smith .... Stephen Critchlow
Minder .... Jude Akuwudike

Director: Marion Nancarrow

And then we move onto Ian Sansom’s evocative letter to the pioneering author Octavia Butler in an episode of The Essay, which was first broadcast last year on Â鶹Éç Radio 3. Produced by Conor Garrett.

Changing Climates was presented by John Hammond and produced by Kerry McCarthy for Â鶹Éç Radio 4 Extra.