what in the world is solarpunk please tell me
Across the last six or so years, solarpunk has graduated from an aesthetic to a combination of art and politics that focuses on everything from a positive imagining of our collective future to actually creating it. It began mostly as a visual vocabulary and literary subgenre of science fiction like steampunk ( steampunk focuses on the past and the industrial revolution). Solarpunk focuses on a positive future grounded in our existing world that emphasizes the need for environmental sustainability, self governance and social justice.
-It is a movement that is dedicated to human-centric and eco-centric ends. It looks beyond capitalism and the current rift between humanity and nature.
-Solarpunk a futurism that focuses on what we should hope for rather than on what to avoid. It recognizes that climate change, the consequences of centuries of damage aren’t averted in the future. Yet it still manages to incorporate hope. A future where we have a lot of work to do, but we are doing better. Using technology in more uplifting ends. Solarpunk emphasizes real-world application, Its all what we do here and now from DIY projects to larger organization.
-It’s other core aspect is that it’s very aesthetic and artistic and it uses a lot of nature motifs and takes inspiration from art nouveau, upcycleing, and asian and African styles and artistic movements.
-What is not solar punk is slapping trees and flowers on steel skyscrapers or concrete buildings, that is green washing which as the appearance of sustainability but is actually really damaging to the environment. A ton of water is used to maintain those “green” buildings and they are often not built with sustainable or durable material.
When having no hope for a positive post-climate change future is completely understandable, we also have to understand that the first step to mitigating climate change is knowing that it’s a future that’s possible and worth fighting against. Regardless of the odds stacked against us.
ways to incorporate solarpunk into your life☀️
Learning how to fix/adapt things instead of buying new replacements every time something breaks.
Starting personal or community gardens and weatherproofing them to hell and back because seasons are becoming less and less predictable.
Support local craftsmen and artisans as well as learning crafts/trades yourself!
Normalize walking or cycling (If possible depending on geography and weather because biking in Minnesota winters is a fools errand).
Educate (if you are able) people on the dangers of climate change and how to take care of the environment.
Employ solar panels no matter how small.
Practice upcycleing and learn how to properly recycle.
Voluntier in humanitarian aid and practice organizing and taking care of your community.
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