Like the other comment said, it’s never specifically mentioned. The event or catalyst isn’t the point of the story so I don’t think McCarthy intended to spend much time on those particulars.
I need to re-watch it but from what I remember the man goes through the entire story with a ever-worsening cough, the air quality isn’t great, there’s not much sunlight that comes through anymore, hence plants & whatnot pretty much all die off. I didn’t quite follow why there’s no more electricity/power anymore but that happens too. Taking a guess McCarthy is vaguely describing something similar to a catastrophic asteroid event or a major volcanic eruption along with a massive solar storm or something along those lines.
Coincidentally I just watched Greenland 2 (sequel to Greenland, obvs) which is about an comet/asteroid event and the aftermath. Neither movie is nearly as good as The Road but they’re fun popcorn movies if you’re into that sort of thing… the second movie definitely gets some inspiration from The Road, I’ll say that much. Not nearly as bleak.
What’s the catalyst for the end of the world in The Road?
Like the other comment said, it’s never specifically mentioned. The event or catalyst isn’t the point of the story so I don’t think McCarthy intended to spend much time on those particulars.
I need to re-watch it but from what I remember the man goes through the entire story with a ever-worsening cough, the air quality isn’t great, there’s not much sunlight that comes through anymore, hence plants & whatnot pretty much all die off. I didn’t quite follow why there’s no more electricity/power anymore but that happens too. Taking a guess McCarthy is vaguely describing something similar to a catastrophic asteroid event or a major volcanic eruption along with a massive solar storm or something along those lines.
Coincidentally I just watched Greenland 2 (sequel to Greenland, obvs) which is about an comet/asteroid event and the aftermath. Neither movie is nearly as good as The Road but they’re fun popcorn movies if you’re into that sort of thing… the second movie definitely gets some inspiration from The Road, I’ll say that much. Not nearly as bleak.
It isn’t explicitly stated in the book or the movie.
Edit:typo