The year 1816 is remembered as the Year Without a Summer. After a volcano erupted, global average temperatures plunged. Harvests failed, giving rise to food shortages, riots, and looting. Everywhere, people died. A young Mary Shelley, unable to enjoy outdoor activities while on holidays in Switzerland, wrote Frankenstein.

Perhaps 2023 will be remembered as the Year of Too Much Summer. The unhappy combination of the cyclical El Niño weather pattern and climate change has increased global average temperatures, leading to extreme heat, wildfires, and floods. Everywhere, people are dying. Who will create the masterpiece that captures the zeitgeist of this moment?

A YEARs-LONG CREATIVE EXPLORATION OF THE CLIMATE THROUGH 100-WORD STORIES • WEEK 30