Solar-Powered ‘Ecotopia’ Proposed As Alternative To Trump’s Border Wall

In response to Trump’s maddening determination to build a wall along the US and Mexico border, one group of fed-up designers has proposed an entire new territory, called Otra Nation, that would be open to citizens of both Mexico and the United States.

The high-tech ecotopia designed by Made Collective (Mexican & American Designers & Engineers) is a new country that spans 1,200 miles across the border, powered by massive solar farms and connected with a hyperloop transportation system.

The ambitious proposal is being called a “shared co-nation.” The territory would stretch for over 1,200 miles and encompass 12 miles on each side of the border, effectively joining Tijuana, El Paso, and San Diego. The land would be considered unincorporated territory, with an independent local government and non-voting representatives. Otra Nation residents would retain their natural-born citizenship, but would be granted a new ID microchip for identification purposes, giving them access to the independent health care and education systems.

The plan also depicts Otra Nation as a sustainable community, generating energy from 90,000 square kilometers of solar panels that would meet the demands of the new territory and then some. Watersheds and local ecosystems on both side of the current border would also be restored. Under the plan, an intercity hyperloop would be used for clean transportation. As far as the economic structure, companies built on “sharing principles” would be encouraged, but any company or service looking to “minimize human employment with autonomous vehicles and drone technologies” would be prohibited.

In an interview with The Verge, members from the Made Collection admit that, although they have formally applied for a US government contract, there’s little possibility that the US and Mexican governments will take their proposal seriously. Although, they are still holding out hope that their idea might make it to a popular referendum.

 

As collective member Marina Muñoz puts it, “We can really make the complete American continent great again.”

 

Source: inhabitat