Two new Australian novels, Bree Lee’s Seed and Rose Michael’s Else, explore life in a climate-changed future, tackling themes of anti-natalism and survival. Both novels question our responsibilities to future generations amid ecological instability.
Seed focuses on anti-natalism within an Antarctic seed vault, driven by the character Mitch, a biologist whose refusal to procreate stems from a deep-seated grief and moral conflict. His mission to a secret seed bank embodies paranoia and reflects the dilemma of what to preserve in an unstable world. The narrative critiques the cynicism of withholding life from future generations while navigating personal loss.
In contrast, Else presents a more hopeful outlook through the journey of a mother and her neurodivergent daughter, Raisl and Else, as they adapt to environmental changes along Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. This lyrical novella emphasizes the importance of ecological knowledge and communication with the non-human world.
While Seed leans toward detachment and ethical inquiries that sometimes stall, Else advocates for collaboration and adaptive care. Both texts challenge simplistic views on antinatalism—Seed portrays children as burdens, while Else sees them as essential collaborators in survival.
Together, these works reflect ongoing discussions about climate ethics, suggesting that meaningful care and responsibility towards future generations are vital in navigating an uncertain world. They remind us of the complexities of human relationships and the need to engage with ecological realities while contemplating the future.
