Solarpunk feels reminiscent of that Marx quote, that it is, at one and the same time, the expression of real suffering and a protest against real suffering. It is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people. (Although it's transposed onto the political realm and urban design rather than the spiritual.)

This is why I think its important to be charitable about criticisms of Solarpunk. It does come from a genuine place. It's not the vapid futurism that Tech Oligarchs sell. And the video does make this point well: its not enough to have an aesthetic, you have to ask yourself how you get to that Solarpunk ideal, because, after all is said and done, if your aesthetic and your wellwishes do not arise from a concrete programme it becomes the easiest thing to co-op. Especially by said Tech Oligarchs. This, of course, without asking oneself any questions about de-growth, consumerism or the economic system in place. Even within a capitalist framework you have to be smart about it, otherwise you'll never get those walkable cities you so desire.