The growing movement known as ‘Solar Punk’ offers both inspiring visions and practical solutions.

Here’s something from the Telegraph Online in India, from earlier today:

Solarpunk: A brilliant subculture, its solutions and visions

How do “punk” and “solar” connect? Just as in cyberpunk where neon-lit cyberworld settings exist within contexts of rebellion and anarchy or steampunk, where often Victorian technologies such as steam frame alternate histories, solarpunk is also infused with the spirit of rebellion and the quest for alternatives. This effort to engage and re-imagine the status quo is where the punk of solarpunk comes from. But instead of cyberpunk dystopias or the problematic techno-nostalgic visions of steampunk, solarpunk both in its aesthetic and activism imagines a better alternative — a better future for the planet...

Transformative futures and not the neutral posture of hope is what solarpunk is really aiming for. The wellknown science-fiction writer and publisher Francesco Verso tells me, `I don’t really believe in “hope” as an element to inspire change: hope is a heteronomous force, something that depends on external conditions. So I prefer to use a “practical example” to inspire changes in beliefs and trigger action.’

But what are the solutions and visions that define solarpunk? In the sphere of practice, solarpunk stresses on decentralised action and community experiments rather than grand one-size-fits-all ideas to change the world. Powering it on are concepts and practices like mutuality, cooperation, ingenuity, sustainable technologies, frugal engineering ( jugaad), the commons, regenerative farming and multispecies justice working in tandem to give shape to a better tomorrow.

Solarpunks believe in taking small steps to make a difference. In their writing and politics we find elements of the Gandhian vision of Gram Swaraj, ideas found in Small is Beautiful of Schumacher, Peter Kropotkin’s thoughts among other philosophical wellsprings nurturing a diversity of efforts to make the world a better place.

Sayantani Sengupta, a solarpunk researcher and DIY enthusiast, teaching at NSHM Calcutta says, “I try to take small steps in my everyday life that align with the solarpunk vision. A few months back, I came across a video on ‘seed bombs’ and ‘guerrilla gardening’ and got inspired to make seed bombs with my friends and drop them in the abandoned areas nearby.”

Any survey of solarpunk won’t be complete without mentioning the eye-catching imagery of futuristic buildings wrapped with green vertical gardens, solar powered transport and verdant cityscapes embellished with the swirling forms of an art nouveau aesthetic that have become emblematic of this movement.

Solar energy | Solarpunk: a brilliant subculture, its solutions and visions – Telegraph India