The relationship between humans and the land has changed so much, from the relationship we have cultivated over tens of thousands of years, to after settlers started colonizing the land, to now with industry and a system of capital leading to a disregard of the planet. 

Many young people have lost hope for the future of humans and of the planet. Science fiction is a window into our interpretations imaginations of the future, but much of science fiction is pessimistic and doesn’t often imagine a sound and ideal future. 

Radical hope is needed to create the change we need for the future. Solar punk brings back indigenous ways of living in balance with the land, while also acknowledging that technology is here to stay and can be used for good. 

Linked are some depictions of a solar punk imagined world. 

While researching more about solar punk, I came across a Chobani yogurt ad that beautifully depicted an optimistic solar punk future, a future where people living in harmony with the land while also striking a balance between us and nature. 

This was particularly interesting because I have dislike for any corporation that could be greenwashing and trying to appeal to an audience that cares about the Earth just to make more money. Despite my qualms, this ad, without the company references, was beautiful done and represents solar punk pretty accurately. 

The future that I want the children of the future to have, is one like solar punk, where balance is stuck. I will try to fight back against the pressing feelings of helplessness, and turn that frustration into doing what I can, as soon as I can, for the future. To be a good ancestor…