Solarpunk: Information-Seeking
Kauai (2023, May). By Mickayla McDowell
What Does a Sustainable Future Look Like?
The Solarpunk community is actively engaged in imagining and building a green, sustainable, and egalitarian world. At the heart of this movement is a constant pursuit of knowledge—whether it's new technologies, sustainable materials, or eco-friendly practices. At first glance, this might seem like a straightforward alignment with Wilson’s problem-solving model, where information-seeking behaviors follow a linear path: identifying a problem, defining it, resolving it, and then presenting a solution (Spink & Cole, 2005).
However, Solarpunk takes a more complex approach. Instead of following a linear path, the community embodies Spink & Cole’s human information behavior model, which reflects the fluid and multi-faceted nature of how they seek information. Solarpunks pull from a wide range of sources, blending diverse approaches to both imagine and create their vision of a sustainable future.
Sensemaking and the Power of Imagination
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Solarpunk community is how it engages in communal sensemaking. Members of the community don’t just seek information—they use it to create and share their own unique visions of the future. This process encourages others to imagine their own version of what a sustainable world could look like. As Dervin (1999) puts it, “sense-making posits that theory-making is a mandate of the human condition.”
Solarpunk takes this to heart. It uses imagination as both a tool and a motivator, inspiring creativity and adaptability in a world that’s increasingly volatile and uncertain. As Smith (2021) notes, “Solarpunk use[s] imagination as the carrot on a stick because every company and corporation knows that to weather the future and be resilient, they need employees who are creative, imaginative, and able to flex and be resilient in a volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous world.”
Foraging for Knowledge
The information-seeking behaviors of Solarpunks are diverse and eclectic. They “forage” for knowledge from a wide variety of sources, spanning fields as different as cutting-edge technology and traditional wisdoms. This diversity in their interests reflects the movement's holistic approach to sustainability, where they blend modern innovations with ancient cultural practices.
In terms of information sources, here are a few that stand out as critical for meeting Solarpunk needs:
Online Communities: Since Solarpunk is primarily an online movement at this stage, blogs, YouTube channels, podcasts, and other digital platforms are essential hubs of information for enthusiasts.
Events and Workshops: Workshops on topics like permaculture, renewable energy, sustainability, and earthships are ideal spaces for Solarpunk learning and engagement.
Researching New Technologies: Solarpunks are always looking for the latest developments in green technologies. Having easily accessible, up-to-date information on eco-friendly innovations is key for keeping this community informed and inspired.
Let’s Collaborate!
In true Solarpunk fashion, I’m always open to hearing new ideas. If you have suggestions to expand or improve upon this list of information needs or behaviors for the Solarpunk community, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s work together to build a better, more sustainable future.
Dervin, B. (1999). On studying information seeking methodologically: The implications of connecting metatheory to method. Information Processing & Management, 35, 727-750.
Smith, N.K. (2021, August 3). What is solarpunk and can it help save the planet?. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57761297
Spink, A., & Cole, C. (2005). Human information behavior: Integrating diverse approaches and information use. Journal of the american society for information science and technology, 57(1), 25-35.
