What is The Connickle Conundrum?

The nineteenth century saw many advances in science, technology and engineering as well as population growth. As the Industrial Revolution gained pace, steam power mechanised traditional cottage industries resulting in much of the rural population migrating to towns and cities to work in mines, factories and mills built by entrepreneurs. Society changed, and the world was set on the slippery slope that we are hurtling down today.

Although the Industrial Revolution swept across Britain, the north-west of England is regarded by many as its birthplace. For many decades the industrialisation of towns and cities went unchecked, accelerating into the early part of the twentieth century, contributing to the climate crisis we are moving inexorably towards.

But what if the effects of burning fossil fuels had been recognised and acted upon during the nineteenth century? What if a diligent government had instigated laws to control and slow the rush to innovate? And what if those laws were abhorred by some who had different plans for the future of the planet?

After all, everyone benefits from the advances in science and technology. But, as an advanced society, how do we convince people, countries, governments, to control the growth of technology by reducing fossil fuel consumption detrimental to the planet, when developing countries want the same benefits that older industrial nations have enjoyed.

In my re-imagined late Victorian society in the industrial north-west of England, the government has implemented laws named after the widely accepted theories of Arthur Buckingham Connickle. Innovation has been slowed to provide time for future governments to find a solution to the impending climate change catastrophe.

In a society divided by class, how do we balance the ever-increasing demand for power, new technology and equality, with the health of the planet for future generations?

That is the Connickle conundrum.

Follow Gilbert Sparks’ search for revenge as he is dragged into the battle to save the environment in the first book in The ABC Chronicles trilogy. The Connickle Conundrum here.