Why Solarpunk, Not Cyberpunk, Is the Future We Need Right Now

You don’t need to be stoned in a dorm room to imagine a brighter future

Pat Riley
OneZero

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Artwork by Thomas Chamberlain — Keen
Illustration: Thomas Chamberlain-Keen

It should be no surprise that I’m obsessed with science fiction. Considering that I’m both a graphic designer and work in cryptocurrency, it’s practically required that I pay homage to the neon-soaked aesthetics of Blade Runner 2049, have a secret crush on Ava from Ex Machina, and geek out over pretty much anything Neal Stephenson puts out.

However, with a once-theoretical dystopia now apparently on our doorstep, we should be considering the trajectory of our civilization now more than ever. Suddenly, the megacorps, oppressive regimes, and looming global crises don’t seem so distant anymore.

Our favorite works of science fiction are now becoming realities that are impacting our daily lives.

And here we are, wrestling with the implications of our new reality staring into our screens and trapped inside our homes like the characters in Ready Player One.

Still from “The Music Scene” by Blockhead

Recent events have put us at a bit of a crossroads. We have an opportunity in front of us to continue down…

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