This chapter outlines how we can teach works of Africanfuturism to highlight the roles of colonialism and race in the climate crisis, and the power of environmental justice movements from the Global South. By analysing works such as Wanuri Kahiu’s Pumzi (2010) and Nnedi Okorafor’s The Book of Phoenix (2015) and Noor (2021); drawing inspiration from environmental activists such as Wangari Maathai and Ken Saro Wiwa; and undertaking collaborative and creative activities with students in the classroom, we can explore the threats posed by climate change and the importance of global climate justice.

Selected works of Africanfuturism: 

I recommend the following works of Africanfuturism for teaching about the climate crisis:

• ·      Mame Bougouma Diene, “Black and Gold” (short story, 2018), and “Lekki Lekki” (short story, 2020).
• ·      Dilman Dila, A Killing in the Sun (short stories, 2014), and Where Rivers go to Die (short stories, 2023).
• ·      Lauren Beukes, Zoo City (novel, 2010). 
•        Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki, “O2 Arena” (short story, 2021).
• ·      Osahon Ize-Iyamu, “More Sea than Tar” (short story, 2019).
• ·      Wanuri Kahiu, Pumzi (film, 2019).
• ·      Alistair Mackay, It Doesn’t Have to be This Way (novel, 2022).
• ·      Mohale Mashigo, Intruders (short stories, 2018).
• ·      Efe Okogu, “Proposition 23” (short story, 2012).
• ·      Nnedi Okorafor, “Spider the Artist” (short story, 2011), “The Popular Mechanic” (short story, 2013), Lagoon (novel, 2014), The Book of Phoenix (novel, 2015), Noor (novel, 2021). 
• ·      Suyi Davies Okungbower, Lost Ark Dreaming (novel, 2024).
• ·      Chinelo Onwualu, “Read Before Use” (short story, 2017), “What the Dead Man Said” (short story, 2019), “The Lamentations of a Veteran of the Sand Wars” (short story, 2021), “Letters to my Mother”

               (short story, 2022).

• ·      Tochi Onyebuchi, War Girls (novel, 2019).
• ·      Wole Talabi, Convergence Problems (short stories, 2024).
• ·      Africanfuturism: An Anthology (short stories, 2020).
• ·      Sheree Renée Thomas, Oghenechovwe Donald
• ·      Tade Thompson, Rosewater (novel, 2019).
• ·      Namwali Serpell, The Old Drift (novel, 2019).
• ·      Tlotlo Tsamaase, “Eclipse Our Sins” (short story, 2019). 
• ·      Anisia Uzeyman & Saul Williams, Neptune Frost (film, 2021).  

Teaching Resources:  

Burna Boy. (2023). The Black River.

Kahiu, W. (2009). From Our Land. 

Kahiu, W. (2012). Afrofuturism in Popular Culture. 

Kashi, E. (2018). “Curse of the Black Gold.” 

The Green Belt Movement. https://www.greenbeltmovement.org/

Maathai, W. (2009). The Challenge for Africa: A New Vision. William Heinemann.

Maathai, W. (2007). Unbowed: A Memoir. William Heinemann.

Nakate, V. (2021). A Bigger Picture: My Fight to Bring a New African Voice to the Climate 

Crisis. HarperCollins.

MOSOP. (1991). Ogoni Bill of Rights.

Okorafor, N. (2019). Africanfuturism Defined. 

Saro-Wiwa, K. (1992). Genocide in Nigeria: The Ogoni tragedy. Saros International.