Raphael Thys
Society & Solarpunk
Source: own design, vector graphics from Pixabay
Don’t you feel like there is something inherently wrong with the world? That this is not how it is supposed to be? That something — it’s difficult to say what exactly — is missing? Poverty, inequality, discrimination, hunger, disease, war, estrangement from people and nature, isolation, the rise of mental illnesses, suicides, pollution, mind-numbing and useless office jobs, the destruction of the environment, and countless other terrifying social issues.
Capitalists are trying to convince us that we are living in the best possible world. That this is how it is supposed to be — that, if we just wait a little longer, things will become much better and there will be peace and prosperity for everyone.
Things will not become better and nothing will change. Politicians and the system that sustains and feeds them have proven that over and over again. If we want the world to change, if we want a better future — for us, for our children, and future generations — then we will have to take things into our own hands. There are more of us than there are of them. It is time for a Solarpunk revolution.
In the following four chapters, I will try to define and explain what exactly Solarpunk is and how it can improve our lives. To achieve this, we first have to discuss the prevalent dystopian visions that surround us in all forms of media. After that, we will take a look at how our current reality differs from these dystopias, and how fiction, in fact, influences how we perceive and design our own society. In the last chapter, I will then lay out the absolute basics of Solarpunk. These will serve as a starting point for subsequent articles, in which I will discuss how we can build a Solarpunk society from scratch and what we all can do to support this vision. But first, let’s take a look at some not-so-happy visions of the future.
Chapter 1 | Dark visions of the future
Cyberpunk and similar genres depict a future we do not want. A grim and cruel future. A capitalist future. Source: Pixabay (edited)
Typically, science fiction stories depict depressing and dystopian visions of the future. In the most traditional cases, they paint a future in which people travel through space and discover new stars and galaxies. More or less interesting adventures and shenanigans ensue. However, not all science fiction stories are set in space. There are also numerous subgenres that stage their dramas on boring old Earth. Cyberpunk may be the most popular of these.
These subgenres depict different versions of the future, which are mainly expressed through new technologies and the resulting social changes. Sometimes humans have solved the mysteries of artificial intelligence and are threatened by it, other times robots are rebelling against us, and in still other cases clones or other spawns of genetic-engineering-gone-wrong are turning the world upside down. There are numerous possibilities, the majority of which are interpreted as dangerous and threatening.
Technological and scientific advancements are only one component of these imaginary futures. The social aspect is far more intriguing: How do people live in this future? How do they treat each other? How does their economy work? How, and do they work? In each sci-fi scenario, these questions are answered differently. However, the societies they portray are almost always depicted as dystopian, rather than utopian. Solarpunk is the exact opposite — but more on that later. First, we will examine the dystopia we already live in.
Chapter 2 | The real dystopia
We are not envisioning a dystopia, we are living it. We just got used to it. Source: Pixabay (edited)
Cyberpunk, one of the most popular science fiction genres, is typically very dystopian. Usually, it depicts a devastated, hyper-capitalist world shaped by cyber prosthetics, artificial intelligence, bright advertisements, a futuristic, immersive kind of internet, and neon lights. Neon lights everywhere.
However, Cyberpunk is guided even more by the society it represents. This society is characterized by a stark disparity between rich and poor. Poor people are frequently no longer even considered ‘real’ citizens and are denied access to medical care, education, and other services.
This world is primarily ruled by mega-corporations that wield the real power. Governments, if they exist at all, are often just their puppets. People mostly live to work for and be exploited by these corporations. They are really no better than slaves. Meanwhile, the unbridled pursuit of profits is wreaking havoc on the environment. Some people have forgotten what trees look like.
Is there anything you realized while reading these paragraphs? How dystopian are these scenarios? Is our current reality that far removed from such a vision? The truth is that much of it no longer sounds dystopian, but rather… familiar. The wealth gap is massive and growing, millions of people lack access to medical care and other basic necessities, and many are expected to live for their job and give everything for their company while that same company destroys the environment and exploits people in distant and not-so-distant lands. Politics is infested with corporate influence, lobbyism, and greed. Thousands die in useless wars, fueled by power-hungry psychopaths. We are not envisioning a dystopia, we are living it. We just got used to it.
Chapter 3 | Fiction becomes reality
Almost all fictional depictions of the future are dystopian. What does that say about us? Source: Pixabay (edited)
Our reality is heavily influenced by artistic and fictional depictions of the future. Even though science fiction has long been a niche genre, it has always played an important role in shaping and defining expectations. Science fiction is just a reflection of how we imagine the future.
We expect new technologies (like new phones — which can do the same things as older models, but marginally better — or new TVs — 8K is so much better than 4K — and cars —yes, you definitely need this giant SUV in the city) to have a certain aesthetic. This aesthetic is significantly influenced by how these things are depicted in science fiction media, including dystopian ones.
It is not too far-fetched to predict that we will indeed have high-tech prostheses and nanorobots (we are not that far away), that we will develop artificial intelligence (we are closer than most people think), that companies will rule our world (actually, that one has already come to pass), and that the internet will continue to evolve to become more immersive — and more invasive (the metaverse revolution is already underway — all hail Mark Zuckerberg, our ruler and master).
Is it going too far to say that the dystopian portrayal of society has at least accustomed us to the idea that our society will become the same? That these fictional worlds create a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy? Perhaps this is, in fact, one of our main issues, and perhaps this is why we need more attention for a genre that is heading in an entirely different direction. A new movement that not only wants to tell fictional stories to make people feel better but aims to revolutionize the world and change it for the better. That movement is called Solarpunk.
Chapter 4 | Solarpunk
Solarpunk is bright, optimistic, and hopeful. It is what we will have to fight for. Source. Pixabay (edited)
Solarpunk is a bright, optimistic, and hopeful concept of the future. As the name implies, it is a vision in which people live on the basis of sustainable technologies and highly developed renewable energies such as solar or wind power. Humanity lives in harmony with its surroundings. We are no longer parasites who exploit nature until all resources are depleted; instead we live in synergy with our planet.
Looking at artistic Solarpunk interpretations, one typically sees cities overgrown with green plants that blend in perfectly with their natural surroundings. Solarpunk is all about harmony, peace, and happiness, both with nature and with one’s fellow human beings. In short, it is what we all desire but are too afraid to imagine.
Not only are the technologies and the infrastructure in a Solarpunk future sustainable, but society is also depicted in a much more optimistic light. It is usually one with very little or no hierarchy. There are no shortages in this society— not even artificial ones created by mysterious ‘market forces’ — and nobody goes hungry or is homeless. In general, a Solarpunk society is one that has risen above poverty.
Capitalism has instilled in us the terrible notion that poverty and inequality are somehow ‘natural’ and cannot be avoided. That some people are worth less than others. It is constantly creating new ‘needs’ which it aims to fulfill in exchange for money — a constant stream of useless products and bullshit that do not make us happy in any way. Don’t you feel exhausted by this world? Do you not feel, in the deepest parts of your being, that this is not natural? That this is not how we are supposed to live? That something is missing?
I am convinced that humanity can progress beyond such things. Beyond artificial inequalities, beyond poverty, and beyond the tyranny of money. I am, indeed, absolutely sure that we can free ourselves from the reign of the rich and powerful, and create a better world together. Capitalism has failed us all. It has failed to deliver on the promises it made at the beginning of the twentieth century. There is no peace, there is no prosperity for all. It is time to try something new. All it takes is a little revolution.
In subsequent articles, I will explain how we can successfully build a Solarpunk society, what this movement entails, the challenges we will face, and how you, yes, you reading this, can support the revolution. You can directly support me and my work on Patreon or Ko-fi. Any help would be greatly appreciated! You can also become a Medium member or you can check out my bookstore. Every little bit helps. Subscribe so you never miss a new article and join the movement!
And, yes, trust me, I see the irony in putting this article behind a paywall. I am really sorry for that, unfortunately it is how I make my living. Wish it was different. However, feel free to write me an email or contact me on Twitter and I will send you a link which gives you access no matter what.
If you enjoyed this article, you will definitely love the following one. Especially if you feel like your job is useless and should not exist (that’s probably the case, let’s be honest):
If you want to read more about Solarpunk and join the revolution continue here:
An Introduction to Solarpunk
5 stories
Sources and further reading
- Andrewism. How We Can Make Solarpunk A Reality (ft. @Our Changing Climate). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-JvyfZVkIM
- Our Changing Climate. Why This Gives Me Hope for the Future (ft. @Saint Andrewism). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3aauiR9M88
- How We Can Build A Solarpunk Future Right Now (ft. @Andrewism). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twGcjDnOb_U
- Solarpunk subreddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/solarpunk/
- VICE. Solarpunk Is Not About Pretty Aesthetics. It’s About the End of Capitalism. https://www.vice.com/en/article/wx5aym/solarpunk-is-not-about-pretty-aesthetics-its-about-the-end-of-capitalism
- Wikipedia. Solarpunk. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solarpunk