Is Work Outside the Law All Bad?

     In The Ministry for the Future, Robinson explores the idea of a black wing. It is clear throughout the book that Robinson is not a fan of violence. Despite this, violence is the key to seeing change in the novel. Planes are a part of traffic pollution, and it is attacks on the planes that decreases their usage, “Then all those planes going down in one day...It killed the airline industry, more or less. That was ten percent of the carbon burn, gone in a single day” (254). Shooting down planes is not a government order. This task can only be taken by a group working beyond the law. Robinson includes the first black wing group, the Children of Kali. If this group was formed without the heat wave occurring, it would most likely be seen as a terrorist group. While they do have a goal that in combatting climate change after the death in India, there are instances where innocent lives are not spared. Also, in the fight against climate change, the Ministry for the Future choose Mary to be its leader. Mary’s personal background does not incline her to believe in violence under any circumstances. By introducing the Children of Kali and making Mary the head of the Ministry for the Future, Robinson is setting up the complex problem for the Ministry to decide when a black wing should be introduced.  

    The ministry having a black wing is not limiting. It may seem immoral and wrong, but that does not differ from other government agencies. The Ministry is also following a similar ideology as the Children of Kali, and they are not viewed as terrorists by all. Some people see that they are trying to right a wrong. This shows that not all black wing activity is negative. In one instance of the book the black wing group is not identified, but the goal is to destroy a fishing boat. The response by the workers is not a negative one, “’What’s the point?’ we asked. No more fishing. Good we said” (72). The Ministry is trying to create a bigger picture that includes changing society at a world level to help prevent another disaster. This lets them achieve more in a shorter amount of time. That can be precious when fighting climate change at this level. The situations in the book involving climate change are at a relatively fast pace. Having a black wing component apart from the Ministry can help attack specific causes of environmental damage. Having Mary as the head can ensure that innocent lives are accounted for. This can be a positive situation in theory. Laws are created for a reason, but laws were not made to consider a heat wave killing millions of people. This situation changes the mindset drastically. The Ministry can combat directly behind the scenes, while fighting the long game politically with a black wing. Mary and her team must be able to adapt if they want to be successful in their mission.