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Nigerian writer Abi Daré has been honoured as the inaugural winner of the Climate Fiction Prize, a new award celebrating the best novel-length fiction published in the UK that engages with the climate crisis, for her book ‘And So I Roar’. This announcement was made at a ceremony in London on May 14, 2025.
Daré’s book was chosen from an all-female shortlist revealed in March, following a year-long evaluation process by a panel of literary and climate specialists. The debut edition of the prize ignited vibrant discussions about the definition of climate fiction and highlighted the diverse narratives and genres emerging in this literary category.
Taking place between urban Lagos and a rural Nigerian community, “And So I Roar” follows the journey of 14-year-old Adunni, whose educational aspirations are disrupted when she is called to confront charges connected to climate-related crises.
Both humorous and profoundly moving, the novel underscores the unequal effects of climate change on women and girls, particularly in areas that contribute least to global emissions. It weaves together themes of environmental damage, social inequity, and resilience amid interconnected crises.
Madeleine Bunting, Chair of Judges, commended the book as “a tale filled with real energy and passion, which both terrifies and entertains.” She also mentioned: “Abi Daré believes in the power of individuals and relationships, and her optimism inspires us.”
In her acceptance remarks, Daré said: “I’m truly honoured to see ‘And So I Roar’ recognised in this way. Climate fiction is often rooted in the Global North, so having a story set in Africa acknowledged like this means a great deal. Africa accounts for just four per cent of global carbon emissions, yet faces some of the harshest effects of the climate crisis. A prize like this matters because it creates space for stories that show how deeply connected we all are and how fiction can open hearts where data alone might struggle.”
Abi Daré, originally from Lagos, Nigeria, possesses degrees in law, international project management, and creative writing. Her debut novel, ‘The Girl with the Louding Voice’, achieved New York Times bestseller status and received nominations for several international accolades. In 2023, she initiated The Louding Voice Foundation, which offers scholarships and empowerment initiatives for women and girls in underserved Nigerian areas. She currently resides in Essex.
The Climate Fiction Prize redefines conventional ideas of what climate fiction entails. Although dystopian narratives and scientific accounts have long prevailed in the genre, this year’s shortlisted works demonstrated an increasing variety in voices, styles, and settings, ranging from time-travelling thrillers to philosophical reflections and folklore-infused family sagas. The judging panel lauded ‘And So I Roar’ as a novel that “exemplifies this evolution spectacularly.”
