Solarpunk Generation

"Naturae Dispensatores" In Latin: "Nature's Stewards"

submission by

Four more weeks to go!

Submit your entry by April 30th to [email protected]

"A popular misconception, that fosters pessimism about the future & technology, is the idea that technology only causes destruction. This is, unfortunately, not an unrealistic or uncommon mentality due to people witnessing the absolute worst of technology in war, pollution, disinformation, etc...

Despite witnessing wars, famine, plague, & the absolute worst behaviors of humanity, I do not believe that humans are inherently evil. On the contrary, humans at their core are unbelievably kind and good. The majority of people, when they are able, do want to help their neighbor, feed the hungry, heal the broken, & be happy with one another.

With this piece, I wanted to capture the spirit of the greatest good of technology. In this piece, the older man is a representation of the old guard. He is an environmentalist who has poured blood, sweat, & tears to fight for a better future for the planet. Despite age and mechanical enhancements that aid with his work, he realizes that his time on Earth is not meant to be permanent. He knows he must pass the torch to a new guard, to protect & heal the future around them.

The old man is imparting his wisdom, compassion, & the duty of taking care of the Earth to a new generation. This new generation is not one that is expected from the eyes of the past. While historically, humans watched over the forest, climate change reparations included gradually introducing non-invasive technology to assist humanity's stewardship efforts.

While it might not be obviously visible, floating among the trees are robotic will-o'-the-wisps. In this future, humanity has infused the wisdom of old traditions with the science of a new, prosperous age. These wisps diligently patrol the forest, analyzing the environment for plant health & longevity, injury to animals, or lost hikers in the woods. While small & seemingly blending into the forest, their role is anything but..." ~Shiloh Miller

Cont on next post