----------------------------------------
solarpunk thoughts
April 25th, 2019
----------------------------------------

cmccabe just posted [0] some thoughts on solarpunk as a cultural
phenomenon, as a set of aesthetics surrounding shared goals for
the future, and as a visual and literary style. It's worth the
quick read. Go check it out, I'll wait here.

[0] cmccabe - solarpunk optimism 

As it so often happens on gopher, his phlog set off a chain of
thought in me that is tangential. It reminded me of a fantastic
book from last year's reading list [1]:

[1] Trekonomics: The Economics of Star Trek

In this surprisingly-great book, author Manu Saadia makes a case
for the true vision of Star Trek future through the lens of the
morals, values, and hard economics that underpin the series’ ideal
society. It's a substantial work that deserves serious attention.

The utopian future of Star Trek is optimistic and it manages to
challenge us in many unique ways. It questions our need for
financial incentives, the mores of competition vs honor, even the
idea of humanity itself. It also reminds me of that endless
conviction of Doctor Who that underpins everything [2]:

[2] Intellect and romance over brute force and cynicism!

Solarpunk is just this. Yes, there's an artistic aesthetic.
There's probably something to be claimed as original for
a literary style as well. Ultimately, though, it is a response to
the gritty, post-modern brutalism of cyberpunk. Instead of the
wastelands of Detroit overrun by cyber-drugs [3], we see green
pasture-lands infused with a shining beacon of optimism in the
form of solar arrays and wind turbines.

[3] NUKE

I can take or leave Earth Day. It's not a part of solarpunk as
much as a Delorian topped with a "Mr. Fusion", or as much as a guy
on gopher that powers his farm with a solar array and shares his
water conservation stories on his phlog [4].

[4] melton

It all gives me hope. Star Trek, Doctor Who, gopher,
little-free-librarys [5], and all of you. Keep on being awesome.

[5] Little Free Library 1

[5] Little Free Library 2

[5] Little Free Library 3