About
I’m Tory Stephens—a storyteller, strategist, and climate justice advocate. I work at the intersection of culture, justice, and climate futures, helping stories travel beyond policy circles and into the imaginations of everyday people.
My path has always been shaped by the belief that narrative is power. Before entering the climate space, I spent years exploring how stories—whether told through fiction, journalism, or community organizing—can shift culture and open new possibilities for collective action.
That belief led me to Grist, where I co-founded Imagine 2200, a climate fiction initiative designed for future ancestors. Through Imagine 2200, I’ve helped produce two anthologies— Afterglow and Metamorphosis—and now focus on publishing climate fiction year-round while building partnerships that connect narrative, movement work, and real-world climate solutions.
I believe culture is infrastructure. The stories we tell—through fiction, art, and media—shape what futures feel possible, who belongs in them, and how we act in the present.
This isn’t about escapism. It’s about building the narrative architecture for a just transition. When communities see themselves reflected in visions of the future, they’re more likely to fight for that future today.
I commission, edit, and publish climate fiction that centers justice, joy, and possibility. Through Imagine 2200 and beyond, I work with writers from around the world to create narratives that expand our collective imagination.
I build bridges between the climate movement, cultural institutions, and creative communities. This means designing partnerships that connect narrative power with on-the-ground organizing and policy work.
I speak and facilitate conversations about the role of culture in climate justice—at conferences, universities, and community spaces. I’m interested in how we can use storytelling as a tool for movement building.
For speaking, collaborations, or conversations about climate storytelling:
toryjstephens@gmail.com