Angela Anderson and Prof. Dr. Kai Koddenbrock present at "From Solar Futures to Future Solidarity" Symposium

Angela Anderson and Prof. Dr. Kai Koddenbrock presented at the "From Solar Futures to Future Solidarity" symposium last month at the ICI Berlin, organized by Sara Castelo Branco and Claudia Peppel. With an event description that asserts “Solar energy constitutes one of the most important subjects in the current context of international politics,” which requires rethinking “the circulation of power between those who control energy production and those who depend on it,” the symposium brought together scholars from a wide range of fields, from political economy to history to anthropology—Amanda Boetzkes, Michela Coletta, Ricardo Jorge Gafeira, Gökçe Günel, Michael Marder, and Oxana Timofeeva. They reflected on the complexities of solar energy, the crucial role that the sun plays in global power dynamics, also with a view of extraterrestrial places as possible options for human life.

 Angela Anderson’s session, “Queer Eco-intersectional Luxury Communist Solarities. Against Capitalist Authoritarianism” asked what role eco-intersectional politics play in working together with the sun towards a world of abundant flourishing. Kai Koddenbrock’s presentation, titled “German Africa Policy. From Eurafrican Utopias to Another Scramble for African Resources?” elaborated on Germany's Africa policy and delved into new possibilities of dealing responsibly and fair with natural resources.

The symposium supported the idea that it is “essential to seek solar futures and future solidarity” and find solutions that “promote a sustainable and equitable future in regard to the production of energy.” In a world grappling with energy and environmental issues, the symposium highlighted the urgency of harnessing solar energy for a more social and just future.

View recordings of the symposium on the ICI Berlin website.  

Post Date: 11-09-2023