Interview: Kim Stanley Robinson, Science Fiction Maestro and Utopian, in 2026

a month ago

Kim Stanley Robinson is a renowned science fiction writer with award-winning works like the Mars trilogy and The Ministry for the Future.
Robinson avoids social media, preferring to communicate through his novels and email, focusing on outdoor activities like gardening and running.
He criticizes social media as a cognitive drug that enshittifies information streams, contributing to political radicalization and performative fascism.
Robinson describes the Trump administration as a 'death cult,' highlighting its attacks on science and performative cruelty.
He emphasizes the resilience of global science and clean energy efforts outside the U.S., citing examples from China, Europe, and India.
Robinson discusses the importance of international collaborations like the BBNJ Treaty and the EU/Mercosur trade deal, despite U.S. disengagement.
He advocates for practical climate interventions, such as preserving Arctic and Antarctic ice, and distinguishes between different geoengineering methods.
Robinson critiques the term 'abundance,' preferring 'adequacy for all' and advocating for wealth caps and progressive taxation.
He highlights the potential of zoning reform to address homelessness and housing shortages in the U.S.
Robinson reflects on his evolving role as a public intellectual, adapting his messaging to rapid global changes.

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