Eco-Catastrophe in The Wind From Nowhere

Abstract

Ecocriticism constitutes the fictional treatment of environmental problems. Climate Change is one of the biggest threats the world is facing today. There are alarming debates signaling constant fear of the grave consequences that can be triggered by the global warming. Newspapers are literally filled with articles on the topic of climate change. Sea levels are rising like anything and oceans are becoming warmer. The Wind From Nowhere is one of the insightful novels in the contemporary age where Ballard prophesizes the vision of an eco-catastrophe triggered by human induced global warming leaving earth totally unfit for human survival which can turn into reality anytime. The aim of this paper is to explore how Ballard portrays that vision of eco-catastrophe using the metaphor of cyclonic winds which create havoc all over the world.  It also illustrates the creepy imageries and undertones of the catastrophic setting presented in the novel, in which people are reduced to beastly mode of survival. Particular emphasis is given on the psychological effects of the altered environment on the characters in the novel. Ballard portrays his characters to be trapped between an old dead world and a terrifying incomprehensible new one.