Analog always seems to find outstanding flash fiction for its “Probability Zero” feature. The July / August issue’s feature is no exception. Turtledove delivers a tightly written short that takes the fear of global warming and the melting of artic ice into the far distant past.
“Global Warming” takes place as the glaciers begin to recede as the atmosphere warms. There is a communal fear about the encroachment of new invasive species called “trees” that are ruining the tundra, brining new infectious diseases, and new beasts like the boar that is both tasty and dangerous.
The story is a quick read and full of fun parody of humanities greatest paradox. We need to travel, heat our homes, cook food, using energy stored in ancient sunlight. We unlock this solar capital by burning fossil fuels that pollute the atmosphere. The polluted atmosphere stores more heat.
In Turtledove’s story, the hunters and gathers burn fires. These fires, according to wizards, release fire sprits that capture and store more heat. This heat is causing biomes to shift. Fire is band. Food must be prepared cold. Homes cannot be heated.
Regardless of where you stand on the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels and global climate change, you can enjoy this story.
Turtledove, Harry. “Global Warming.” Analog. July / August 2009, Vol. CXXIX, No. 7 & 8. P. 136 - 137
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