Science fiction
The Ministry for the Future
A near-future story begins with a deadly heatwave in India, then follows a new United Nations agency tasked with representing the interests of future generations. It looks at the many ways people try to stop climate disaster.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2020
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 563
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want a serious, information-rich look at how the world might actually respond to climate change.
Skip this if you want a plot-driven novel, as much of it is made up of essays, reports and short vignettes.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The Ministry for the Future
- What is The Ministry for the Future about?
- A near-future story begins with a deadly heatwave in India, then follows a new United Nations agency tasked with representing the interests of future generations. It looks at the many ways people try to stop climate disaster.
- Who should read The Ministry for the Future?
- Read it if you want a serious, information-rich look at how the world might actually respond to climate change. Skip it if you want a plot-driven novel, as much of it is made up of essays, reports and short vignettes.
- How long and how fast is The Ministry for the Future?
- It is a slow-paced, long read of about 563 pages, first published in 2020.
- Does The Ministry for the Future have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Death, Violence.
- Can I borrow The Ministry for the Future for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Ministry for the Future; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Ministry for the Future?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Parable of the Sower, The Dispossessed.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
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| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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