Creating a sustainable future for the African child: A solar punk concept— by Okoroafor Christabel Ebubechukwu

From Sankofa, Harambee, Ubuntu and Afrofuturism, Okoroafor Christabel Ebubechukwu educated and impressed peers, professors and global leaders during Day of the African Child Conference (DACC24) and was offered to publish her work in African journals and to present to an audience in Portugal.

Presenter

Christabel Okoroafor Ebubechukwu, Bachelor of Social Work student, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Abstract

This abstract investigates the conceptualization and integration the formerly known literary genre and art form; now a subgenre of climate activism, Solarpunk as a way of building a sustainable future for the African child; a future that takes pride in preserving the planet and creating a “safe space” for the African child to thrive, survive and develop. Solarpunk is a speculative concept that seeks to reimagine the future of sustainability and mitigate climate change; it envisions a ecotopian future where advanced technology especially renewable resources like solar and wind energy and nature exist in total ecological harmony/symbiotism. It is an optimistic view on climate change. It is a sustainable solution that embodies the core concept of African philosophy- being a whole person and being one with your surroundings, particularly focusing on community and its strength, a core concept for the Africa scene. It promotes social action through sustainability education of the “next generation”, that is the African child. It integrates evidence from reviews, personal correspondence and diaries focusing on building eco villages that foster the one-Africa mindset among African children, Afrocenteric architecture (green buildings)/ technology and social action groups that fight climate change and awareness and biodiversity preservation through forest guards.

Key words

solarpunk; sustainability education; African child; climate activism; African philosophy; climate change; speculative genre; ecotopian; social action

Slides

Video