solarpunk: a basic overview

(image source)

Views of the future have taken a sharp downward trend in optimism in the past 20-odd years. The predominant setting for futuristic fictions is cyberpunk, a grim and grimy setting where capitalism has run rampant, everything is dying, and money rules the otherwise impressive technology. And as much as I enjoy dystopian fiction and the aesthetics of cyberpunk, you have to admit, seeing all the visions of our future being so dark gets a little depressing. More than that, it almost makes it seem inevitable, like there is no alternative.

But... what if there is?

The first recorded usage of the term 'solarpunk' is very fitting. A 2008 blog that discusses ecological developments talks about the usage of sailing ships as cargo ships in an energy friendly environment. It takes the term steampunk and replaces it with solarpunk. The term has since taken on a life of it's own, starting with aesthetics and moving into real change and ideas.

Solarpunk is, at it's core, what I would call a spiritual opposite of cyberpunk. It envisions a future that is ecologically friendly, diverse, and importantly technologically advanced. It sets itself apart from other ecological movements in it's embracing of cities and technology as avenues for a better future rather than enemies of it. An image search of 'solarpunk' shows similar images. Cities with art deco influence covered in greenery and technology (that is available today!) powering it. It is colorful and filled with a vibrant community.

Community- that is what I believe sets it apart from basic eco-friendly thinking. While solarpunk does have a distinct aesthetic, it is the punk part of the name that I find people miss out on. A true solarpunk community supports and celebrates diversity. Different ethnicities and cultural practices are welcomed and supported. Diverse abilities are accounted for in city planning. Families extend far beyond the nuclear family ideal. It is truly a very socialist ideal. Food, shelter, and safety are all guaranteed, no matter what. Walkable cities, viable public transport, public gardens, social support networks. Without these, you can't call it solarpunk. If your view does not include the disabled, lgbtqia+, and ethnic minorities, you can't call it solarpunk.

Solarpunk is radical in it's unyielding optimistic view of the future. It is an entirely possible one as well. It uses technology and ideas we have readily available today, right now. And this is just a basic overview in it's most simplistic form.

I may end up writing more entries talking about specific smaller aspects of it, but I also encourage you to look into it yourself! Change begins and holds at the smallest of levels.