Climate Change Literature in the English Subject Classroom : Discussing how English teachers can use Young Adult Climate Fiction to teach about sustainability and the consequences of climate change

Abstract

This thesis explores the Young Adult DystopiaThe Sandcastle Empireby Kayla Olson and the Young Adult Climate FictionsThe Final Six and The Life Belowby Alexandra Monir and their different depictions of a future world affected by climate change. Intending to figure out how an English teacher in a Norwegian classroom may use these novels, the thesis discusses the criticism of capitalism, scientific innovation, and parental responsibilities given to the teenage protagonists. The thesis does this through an ecocritical lens and focuses on the characteristics of Anthropocene and Climate Fiction. Simultaneously, the thesis examines how the novels may affect the young adult readers and how the teacher may use this theory and the criticisms mentioned above to develop critical thinking. By doing so, the thesis finds it reasonable to believe that teachers may fulfill the Core Curriculum’s goal of creating environmentally aware and sustainable students by using these novels in climate change teaching.