ecotopian

Ecotopian is an adjective or noun describing ideas, policies, or fiction that envision an ecologically sustainable, socially just, and harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world. Ecotopian visions are often associated with utopian or reformist thought and emphasize low-impact technology, renewable energy, conservation, and community resilience. The term derives from ecotopia, a portmanteau of ecology and utopia, popularized by late-20th-century literature.

In literature, ecotopian fiction depicts societies reshaped by ecological constraints, offering critique of consumerism and exploring governance, economy, and culture that prioritize ecological integrity. In planning and political theory, ecotopian thinking informs experiments with sustainable communities, urban design, permaculture, and restorative justice. The best-known work associated with the term is Ernest Callenbach's Ecotopia (1975), which helped popularize the concept of a society organized around ecological principles. The term can also describe individuals who advocate for such visions, sometimes referred to as ecotopians.

Critics argue ecotopian visions can be overly idealized or overlook power, inequalities, and practical constraints. Proponents counter that ecotopian thought provides a long-term benchmark and a critique of unsustainable systems, helping to imagine feasible pathways to sustainability. The term remains flexible, overlapping with related ideas such as eco-socialism, sustainable design, and environmental justice.