How to grow a solarpunk mindset
A few books, one movie and a TV show that will help make it real
Explore these stories that inspire
If my article about solarpunk sparked your curiosity, you might be wondering how to start exploring this hopeful, imaginative world. Here are are some books, movies and TV shows that illustrate solarpunk principles and will leave you inspired to dream of brighter futures.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built & A Prayer for the Crown-Shy
Becky Chambers’ Monk & Robot novellas are a masterclass in quiet, contemplative hope. Set in a world where humanity has achieved sustainability and robots have gone off into the wilderness to live autonomously, the story follows a tea monk named Dex and a robot named Mosscap. Together, they explore questions of purpose, identity, and coexistence.
These novellas are quintessentially solarpunk: warm, introspective, and grounded in a world where humanity has learned to live harmoniously with nature. They remind us that thriving doesn’t require dominance or exploitation, but rather respect, curiosity, and connection.
Chambers’ vision is not just an invitation to imagine a better world—it’s a balm for anyone seeking solace in the possibility of one. They feel good to read. Tell me you don’t need that right now!?
These books were my absolute favourite reads of 2023 and they were actually what turned me on to the solarpunk genre. They’re short, and appropriate for young readers, too. The audiobooks are beautifully read by Em Grosland, and I highly recommend reading them this way.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
If you’re looking for a TV series that embodies the hopeful, community-driven ethos of solarpunk, Star Trek: The Next Generation is an enjoyable watch. This series, which ran between 1987 and 1994, envisions a future where humanity has transcended greed, war, and ecological destruction to create a society centred on collaboration and exploration.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the Enterprise-D tackle complex moral dilemmas, from environmental ethics to cultural exchange, often emphasizing solutions that value diversity and interconnectedness. Advanced technologies are used responsibly, enabling societies to thrive without harming the environment, and without creating a divide between haves and have-nots.
What sets The Next Generation apart from other Star Trek series is its optimism. While the original Star Trek series, led by Captain Kirk, broke ground with its hopeful vision of humanity’s future, it often explored social tensions such as racism, war, and gender inequity. This was a vital part of its mission, challenging viewers to confront real-world issues. Later iterations of the show, such as Deep Space Nine and Discovery, delved into darker stories, exploring power struggles and moral ambiguity.
The Next Generation stands out because it envisions a society where the struggles and tensions have been resolved. Its focus on diplomacy, collaboration, and peaceful exploration of other worlds makes it a vivid illustration of solarpunk ideals. It’s less of a critique of contemporary society and more of a roadmap to a better future.
Beyond its optimistic storytelling, The Next Generation creates dialogue about what humanity can achieve by establishing a set of shared values. It’s a quintessential solarpunk series that inspires hope for a brighter future.
I haven’t yet watched the whole series, but I’m planning to before the year is out, and I’ll invite my husband and son to watch with me. This solarpunk gem is great for sharing with family members of all ages.
Solarpunk: Ecological and Fantastical Stories in a Sustainable World
This anthology of international solarpunk stories presents a kaleidoscope of visions for a sustainable, harmonious future. Edited by Brazilian author Gerson Lodi-Ribeiro, the collection explores ecological innovation, community resilience, and the creativity of diverse cultures adapting to a world transformed by climate action.
The stories feature characters who use technology, tradition, and ingenuity to build better futures. Whether it’s a tale of cities powered by renewable energy or the struggles of communities reclaiming their relationship with nature, each story offers a blueprint for change.
I haven’t read this anthology, but I plan to. It’s considered foundational in the solarpunk genre. First published in 2012, it played a significant role in shaping the genre's identity. And its Brazilian roots emphasize the importance of including non-Western voices in speculative fiction, broadening the genre’s cultural scope.
Avatar
James Cameron’s Avatar is a visually stunning exploration of the delicate balance between humanity and nature, making it a natural fit for solarpunk inspiration. Set on the abundant, bioluminescent moon of Pandora, the film follows Jake Sully, a former Marine who becomes immersed in the Na’vi culture—an Indigenous people deeply connected to their environment.
While its message is ultimately one of environmental stewardship and resilience, Avatar also challenges us to reimagine our relationship with technology—whether it serves as a tool for exploitation or a bridge to deeper understanding. It’s a blockbuster with a soul, offering a rich and inspiring vision of what’s worth protecting.
I’ve seen this movie once, but that was before solarpunk was really a word. I’m planning to watch it again, looking for the philosophical underpinnings that may have been ahead of their time. There is some war and violence in the movie, but it isn’t overly gory or gratuitous, so I might ask my teenager to watch with me.
Walkaway
Cory Doctorow’s fiction book Walkaway is a thought-provoking exploration of what happens when people choose to abandon a system that no longer serves them. Set in a near-future world ravaged by climate change and severe inequality, the novel follows a group of young “walkaways” who leave behind the dysfunctional society to build new, experimental communities.
The book tackles solarpunk themes like open-source technology, decentralized power structures, and human cooperation. While it grapples with challenges, it ultimately celebrates the ingenuity and perseverance of those who dare to create a better way of living. Doctorow’s vision feels both ambitious and achievable.
I love this book because it highlights how the solarpunk philosophy is not utopian. The characters in Walkaway ask the big question: How can we build a better future? The novel shows the conflicts, sacrifices and difficult choices people must make on the way there, as well as the strategies they employ to overcome big obstacles.
Doctorow, who was born and raised in Canada, draws on his early years in Toronto to create the hypercapitalist world his characters walk away from. As a fellow Torontonian, I was immediately struck by the familiar names and landmarks woven into the opening chapters. The dystopian elements felt chillingly close to home, making the contrast with the experimental community—set on the Niagara Escarpment—even more compelling.
Doctorow’s choice to blend realism with solarpunk elements shows we don’t have to wait hundreds of years or populate a new planet in order to work toward a better future for everyone. It can start now with small, intentional choices that mirror the creative solutions we see in this book.
Chokepoint Capitalism
Cory Doctorow and Rebecca Giblin’s Chokepoint Capitalism is an incisive and empowering critique of the monopolistic systems that dominate the creative economy. The book reveals how corporations like Amazon, Spotify, and others create “chokepoints” to extract value from artists, writers, and musicians while offering audiences fewer choices.
While not a work of fiction, Chokepoint Capitalism resonates with solarpunk’s emphasis on community, equity, and systemic change. Its solutions—like rethinking copyright, supporting cooperative models, and dismantling monopolies—align with the solarpunk ethos of building fairer, more decentralized systems. It’s a rallying cry for anyone who believes creativity and collaboration should flourish without corporate control.
I listened to this as an audiobook and I highly recommend consuming it this way. Doctorow and Giblin’s writing style is approachable, blending analysis with relatable examples and humour. The conversational tone translates well to audio.