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The meteorologist, John Hammond explores the way that science fiction has served as a barometer for our wonder, curiosity and sometimes anxiety about the environment. With expert insight from Sarah Dillon - Professor of Literature, we find out how writers imagined – sometimes very accurately – the changing world around them.

Today, we move forward to the mid-20th century, when environmental fears deepened and fiction imagined humanity facing dramatic ecological upheaval. J.G. Ballard’s visionary story 'The Drowned World' looks to a waterlogged future.

Graham White's adaptation of JG Ballard's novel, sees Earth's atmosphere destroyed.

As a scientific mission surveys England's drowned capitals before their final abandonment, two lovers find themselves reverting to a primitive state of consciousness.

Beatrice .... Hattie Morahan
Kerans .... James D'Arcy
Strangman ....Tim McInnerny
Colonel Riggs .... Robert Blythe
Dr Alan Bryant .... Paul Stonehouse
Lieutenant Hardman .... Ben Crowe
Daley .... Matthew Watson
Caesar .... Don Gilet

Written by JG Ballard
Adapted by Graham White
First broadcast on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4 in 2008.
Producer: Peter Kavanagh

And then we hear Brian Aldiss's short story, 'Song Of The Silencer';

A galaxy is changed but also threatened by mankind's technological ambitions. To establish universal peace, scientists have constructed a massive computer called The Ultimate Machine - based on the human brain. However, a dissenting group believes that activating this machine will trigger the end of the human race.

Written by Brian Aldiss
Reader: Nigel Anthony
Producer: Gemma Jenkins

Changing Climates was presented by John Hammond and produced by Kerry McCarthy for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4 Extra.

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