Oh cool – some solarpunk tech in New York City! I wanted to call this ‘Old Building, New Tricks’ but the simple news is they’re decarbonizing your NYC HVAC with, wait for it, heat pumps! The latest eco-friendly makeover in New York City’s 345 Hudson Street isn’t as groundbreaking as we’re being led to believe. Sure, the installation of heat pumps may seem like a revolutionary move, but let’s not forget that this technology has been around for decades in other countries. So why are we celebrating like it’s the discovery of fire?
An interesting thing about this New York City solarpunk project – it’s being hailed as a solution to reducing emissions from over 6000 high rise buildings in NYC. But the truth is, it’s just a band-aid on a gaping wound. Sure, it may reduce emissions from one building, but what about the bigger issues at hand, like deforestation and corporate pollution? Are we really going to pat ourselves on the back for fixing one outdated building while ignoring the larger problems?
Good Enough, Isn’t
The thing that gets me about this whole situation is how we’re willing to settle for “good enough” instead of demanding better science and technology. ‘Performative solarpunk’ in New York City doesn’t cut it for me. Why are we always playing catch up with other countries when it comes to implementing eco-friendly solutions? And why do we keep dumbing things down to make everyone happy, instead of pushing for real change?
It’s time to stop throwing money at outdated buildings and start investing in renewable energy sources and improving public transportation infrastructure. We deserve better than just slapping heat pumps onto old buildings and calling it a day. Let’s demand more from our leaders and not settle for mediocre solutions that only scratch the surface of the real issues.
So while we applaud this New York solarpunk project as a small step in the right direction, it’s not a groundbreaking development. This is nowhere near enough to truly combat climate change. We deserve better, and it’s time we start demanding it.
