I want to write a novel that takes place sometime in the latter half of this century (let's say 2075), where the premise is that we've more or less achieved what could be described as a Solarpunk society globally, albeit not a perfect utopia. I am just an amateur, so don't hold your breath for the next literary masterpiece, but I am hoping that, if finished, it could at least inspire some people to envisage a better future. The novel itself will only use this as the setting, as a contrast to the often bleak and dystopian visions of the future - the plot will not be related to how this was achieved.
I am currently looking for inspiration for the world-building. What have happened between now and then on a big scale, particularly in terms of geopolitics? How did the tensions of today resolve so that we eventually landed in a Solarpunk society? I am happy to read both critical analyses of probably futures as well as speculative fiction on what could become, but that still remains rooted in the realm of the possible. The world should be mostly stable at the point of the novel, but many turbulent things could've happened on the way there.
A few examples of things I am looking for:
- Which regions/peoples gained independence? Are The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland reunited, is Scotland independent from the UK, is Catalonia a sovereign state? Other examples outside of Europe?
- How have e.g. the African Union and/or the East African Federation progressed, and what role do the play on the global scene? What about other would-be superpowers?
- How did what today looks like an uncrossable divide between the left and right in the United States resolve? Was there ever a new civil war? What did that look like? Are they still united? Any new states?
- Has the United Nations undergone any changes to become a more effective organization?
Have you read or seen anything like this that you could share? Articles, books, movies, TV-shows etc.? Do you have any thoughts of your own you would like to share?
As an amateur writer myself, avoid describing your own writing in minimizing terms.
In general, when people read they're looking for an excuse to stop. There's more to read than anyone has time for, so if they read anything at all they skim and then stop as soon as their interest drops in the slightest. This means that (1) words are precious, and you shouldn't use any that aren't strictly necessary and (2) there's no benefit to telling people that you're not Stephen King. When you do that, you're making a counter point to a point no one brought up, and also discouraging yourself.
Again, I'm an amateur writer myself. I used to do this much more, where I'd start describing my work by bashfully telling people to lower their expectations. But I eventually learned that doing so is misspending their time. They know I'm not John Irving. If that's a requirement for them then they wouldn't have clicked a link or asked what I'm working on. So respect your readers: don't tell them why they should expect to be disappointed.