1y ago

What is solarpunk? And why is it giving hope to people worried about climate change?

www.abc.net.au

Very mainstream coverage, but I guess it's not too bad from that perspective. And yes, green skyscrapers are a stupid idea.

10 comments

This type of architecture is the literal definition of green washing. It’s just a concrete tower with incredibly difficult to maintain trees. (Probably next to a 6 lane arterial road.)
- Though I totally agree with you, there is data that planting trees to line such roads does improve air quality, and slightly decreases noise.
  But that's when the trees are ya know, near the road, not on a tower lol
- What's wrong with that for buildings that have already been built?
  
  Good question. Adding trees and other forms of applied solarpunk to concrete "buildings that have already been built" is different than prefabricated green skyscrapers which would surely be greenwashing. Images like the one in the article can be valuable to introduce new people to solarpunk ideas and positive visions of the future.
They may be a stupid idea but they sure look cool
- It is not stupid, it is removed. Tree roots, with time, will dig through/break concrete. Unless the trees are heavily hindered from the get go. Either way it will lead to leaks unless heavily controlled since even small roots with enough time can damage the building structure if allowed. This is a well known issue and not one you want 20 stories up at this scale.
  The soil will lose nutrients, so unless everyone there how to compost constantly, then fertilisers will be needed to keep them alive, do you want that in your balcony?
  The whole notion of doing this is outright irresponsible from an architecture and lifestyle perspective outside saying, "Look it has green on it, and hoping people are stupid enough to fall for it.
apart from the article: This picture shows one of the more terrible "green capitalism" ideas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajdd9LeKwTQ
There’s a whole Lemmy instance dedicated to solarpunk. Interesting.
- Which motivated me to make an account in first place

10 comments