LithiGEO: Echoes of an Industrial Future – An Online Photographic Comic
An Introduction…
The LithiGEO project unfolds as a futuristic saga set in an alternate reality where Paris, facing an environmental and energy crisis, reinvents itself by pivoting towards reindustrialization through lithium. The story explores the social, economic, and environmental consequences of this transformation, oscillating between technological progress and ecological degradation. Through the eyes of diverse characters—from politicians to ordinary citizens, from industrialists to climate refugees—the narrative weaves a complex web of interests, dilemmas, and choices, illustrating the great paradox of the quest for a sustainable future.
LithiGEO materializes as a photographic comic book, a genre that marries the visual richness of photography with the sequential narration of comic strips. Each photo is a window into the world of LithiGEO, capturing a moment, a place, or an emotion, accompanied by brief texts that guide the narrative. This method allows for a deep and nuanced immersion, where images speak as powerfully as words, and where integrated news articles provide an additional layer of authenticity and depth, anchoring the story in a tangible and complex reality.
The project incorporates fictitious yet credible news articles to enrich the narrative, offering diverse perspectives on events. These articles, written in the style of different newspapers, add a realistic and multidimensional aspect, allowing readers to see the story unfold not only through images but also through the prism of the media. This narrative strategy broadens the scope of the narrative, engaging the reader in critical reflection on information, biases, and various interpretations of facts in the world of LithiGEO.
LithiGEO Day by Day
Day 1: The Ban
A Paris without noise, without smoke, without thermal cars. The city seems to breathe, but at what cost?
Today, Paris made a bold and unprecedented decision: the immediate ban on all thermal cars in its streets. Announced today without warning by the city hall, this radical measure takes effect immediately, transforming the capital’s atmosphere overnight.
In a city historically marked by the constant hum of engines and clouds of pollution, the sudden silence seems almost unreal. The streets of Paris, once clogged with cars, are now open to pedestrians, cyclists, and the emergence of a new urban lifestyle. “A Paris without noise, without smoke, without thermal cars. The city seems to breathe, but at what cost?” wonders a Parisian.
This radical decision places Paris at the forefront of European cities in the fight against climate change and air pollution. It aims to encourage the use of greener and more sustainable modes of transport, such as bicycles, electric public transport, and of course, walking.
However, this sudden transition raises many questions and concerns among residents and businesses. How will Parisians adapt to this change? What support measures are planned for those who previously depended on their car for work? What impact will this ban have on the local economy and tourism?
In response to these questions, the city hall promises a comprehensive support plan, including financial incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles and the expansion of the cycling network. Significant improvements to the public transport system are also on the horizon, with the goal of making the capital more accessible and greener.
Paris, the Day After: A City Divided by the Ban on Thermal Cars
Yesterday, the Paris city hall made a radical decision without prior notice: the immediate ban on all thermal cars. This morning, as the air becomes incredibly more breathable and the usual din of engines has quieted, the social consequences of this measure are already starting to emerge.
Indeed, the capital is experiencing an ecological revolution: the streets of Paris, usually saturated with noise and pollution, now present an unprecedented, almost peaceful face. However, this apparent tranquility masks a darker reality. Paris is divided into two: on one side, the privileged in their luxury electric sedans, and on the other, the rest. These “others” are primarily suburbanites, for whom Paris has become an unreachable mirage.
From dawn, the suburban train stations bear witness to this social divide. Overwhelmed, they overflow with commuters desperately trying to get to their workplaces. The metro, too, cannot contain the sudden influx of passengers, turning each journey into a survival ordeal. Mobility, once considered a right, has become a luxury.
The city’s sidewalks, traditionally reserved for strollers and café terraces, are transformed into makeshift camps. Faced with unaffordable Parisian rents, some workers opt for this extreme solution rather than face the daily anguish of overcrowded transport. Teleworking, although a logical alternative, suffers from a tarnished image due to successive COVID-19 lockdowns and struggles to establish itself as a viable solution.
The social division in Paris highlights the limits of ecology without equity. The crowds in transit symbolize the city’s contradictions. How to combine ecology and social justice? A challenge for the city hall that must make the green transition inclusive for all.
Third Day of the Ban on Thermal Cars in Paris: Between Anger and Hope
Three days have passed since the surprise announcement by the Paris City Hall: no more thermal cars on the capital’s streets. While the first two days were marked by relative calm despite the predictable social consequences, the situation is changing. Frustration is growing among the lower classes because while the ban is one thing, making electric cars accessible to all is quite another.
Public transport, already overstretched after years of neglect, cannot cope with this sudden demand. Moreover, the “Grand Paris Express” project, vital for hosting the Olympic Games, is experiencing significant delays. The cause? A shortage of electronic components and rare earth elements needed for battery production makes electric cars unaffordable for the general public.
The anger of the lower classes is not just a direct result of the ban on thermal cars, but also a symbol of a deeper unease with an ecological transition that seems to forget the most vulnerable. Electric cars for all, an appealing idea on paper, is now at the center of debate. Is it a realistic promise or an unattainable dream?
Day 4: The Discovery of Lithium
Four days after the unexpected announcement of the ban on thermal cars in Paris, a major turning point is emerging: the discovery of lithium under the Butte Montmartre. Traces of this whitish material, noticed as early as the 18th century but arousing no interest due to a lack of knowledge about its unique properties with the techniques of that time, have resurfaced. This discovery, forgotten in history, has recently been brought to light thanks to historical documents found at the Butte museum.
This discovery comes at a crucial time, offering tangible hope in the face of challenges posed by the sudden ban on thermal vehicles. If the potential of this resource is confirmed, Paris could not only revolutionize its mobility policy but also become a global leader in lithium production, a crucial component for the energy transition.
The implications are vast: economic, environmental, but also social, with the promise of democratized electric transport. Attention is now focused on the chemists and experts, whose work could redefine the future of urban mobility.
As the residents of Montmartre discover that they are literally sitting on a treasure, the city of Paris stands at the dawn of a new era, where the white gold beneath its feet could lead to a green revolution on its roads.
Rush for Lithium at Montmartre: Chaos and Hope on the Butte
Five days after the drastic ban on thermal cars by the Paris city hall, the capital has become the scene of a modern-day gold rush. The unexpected discovery of lithium under Butte Montmartre has triggered a real frenzy. Without authorization or organization, Parisians and suburbanites have rushed to the butte, drawn by the promise of quick fortune.
It's the opportunity of a lifetime, (...) For people like me, without prospects, it's a chance to make some money.
On site, the atmosphere is electric. I met a young miner from the suburbs, helmet on head and pickaxe in hand, who agreed to share his story. “It’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” he confides, his eyes gleaming with hope. “For people like me, without prospects, it’s a chance to make some money.” His voice reveals a mix of determination and worry about the uncertain future.
It's destruction (...) Beneath my windows, the neighborhood I've always known is disappearing, swallowed up by the lithium fever.
Just a few steps away, a Montmartre resident observes the rapid transformation of his neighborhood. “It’s destruction,” he says bitterly. “Beneath my windows, the neighborhood I’ve always known is disappearing, swallowed up by the lithium fever.” His testimony highlights the speed at which economic euphoria can disrupt everyday life.
The scene unfolding in Montmartre is surreal, something we never imagined seeing in our lifetime. What future for the butte? The question remains open as the lithium fever is just beginning. But what will happen next? To whom will these new urban miners sell their precious harvest? The risks associated with this improvised extraction are numerous, not to mention the lack of protection and the total absence of organization.
A Turning Point for Paris: The Sacré-Cœur Basilica Moves to Make Way for LithiGEO
Eight days after the Paris City Hall’s surprise ban on thermal cars, the President of the Republic announced an unprecedented decision: to relocate the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. This announcement, broadcast on Monday morning on all news channels, reveals a historic agreement reached over the weekend with the Conference of Bishops of France to move the basilica, stone by stone, to the Paris region.
It seems that the Church, often seen as a pillar of historical and cultural preservation, was quickly persuaded by the financial benefits of this agreement. As for the residents of Montmartre, although they were not truly consulted, the prospect of enrichment seems to have calmed spirits.
This development raises crucial questions about the balance between technological progress and heritage preservation, as well as the power of finance and innovation in decision-making that affects a city’s cultural legacy. As work progresses at record speed, Paris finds itself at a crossroads between its historical past and a potentially revolutionary future in the field of green energy.
The transformation of Montmartre, from a symbol of spirituality and art to a pioneer of energy transition, marks a new chapter in the history of Paris. It remains to be seen how this decision will influence the relationship between citizens, the state, and religious institutions, as well as its impact on the very identity of the French capital.
Paris Reinvents Itself: The New Industrial Era Along the Water
Paris, the city of light, is transforming. On the ninth day after the ban on thermal cars, it is rewriting its industrial history. Montmartre Butte, the new urban Wild West, becomes the heart of an economic renaissance that is still artisanal but promising, centered around the Saint-Martin Canal.
Paris in the Mist: Concern and Questions on Day 10
Ten days after the ban on thermal cars in Paris, growing concern is evident among Parisians. Early in the morning, the city woke up enveloped in a thick fog with an unusual smell, raising questions about its possible origin related to the activities of lithium manufacturing along the Saint-Martin Canal.
The fog was so thick I couldn't see two meters ahead. And that smell... It can't just be ordinary pollution.
Marie, a resident of the 10th district, shares: “When I opened my window this morning, the air was unbreathable. We know that the Saint-Martin Canal has become an industrial hub, but at what cost to our health?”
Thomas, an early morning jogger, expresses his concern: “The fog was so thick I couldn’t see two meters ahead. And that smell… It can’t just be ordinary pollution.”
The government, meanwhile, leans towards an external origin for this mist, suspecting industrial pollution from Germany, carried by winds to the north of France.
Scientists were quickly dispatched to the streets to measure air quality. One of them, Dr. Lefèvre, explains: “Our initial analyses suggest a complex mix of particles. It’s premature to single out one source.”
This situation raises deeper questions about the manipulation of information, both by the government and the Church, the latter having recently invested in the LithiGEO project.
Our initial analyses suggest a complex mix of particles. It's premature to single out one source.
As Paris navigates these troubled waters, between industrial innovation and environmental preservation, this morning’s fog serves as a poignant reminder of the need for complete transparency. Parisians remain vigilant, hoping for clear answers and concrete actions to ensure their safety and that of their environment.
Newspaper ‘Le Contrepoids’, by our special correspondent Julien Mercier
“LithiGEO at Montmartre: Progress or Haste?”
On the 110th day after the ban on thermal engines, the inauguration of LithiGEO is sparking debate. Built on the site of the Sacré-Cœur, this initiative has rapidly changed the landscape of Montmartre, raising questions about the balance between progress and preservation.
The LithiGEO consortium, although ambitious, faces growing opposition. The Parisian population, despite the financial allure, is hesitant to embrace the change, preferring skilled jobs to factory positions.
The unemployment insurance reform announced on television yesterday by the Minister of Economy, seen as a forced maneuver to staff LithiGEO, has fueled criticism, suggesting a cynical governmental strategy to compensate for planning and consultation failures.
The promised ecological benefits are slow to materialize, with growing concerns about the environmental impact of the new industrial facilities. This project, perceived as rushed, reveals tensions between economic ambition and the community and environmental values of Paris.
Newspaper ‘L’Éclaireur Progressiste’, by our journalist Valérie Avant-Garde
“LithiGEO: The Dawn of a New Era for Paris”
On the 110th day after the end of thermal cars, Paris introduces the LithiGEO factory, a symbol of innovation and collaboration between the state, private sector, and the Church. Located on the iconic Montmartre hill, the factory replaces the Sacré-Cœur, turning a historic page towards a promising future.
Completed in record time, the factory embodies France’s commitment to sustainable development and the green economy. It aims to position Paris as a global leader in the lithium market, essential for green technologies.
Despite initial recruitment challenges, the government remains confident. The unemployment insurance reform, announced by the Minister of Economy, is seen as a strategy to motivate the Parisian workforce to engage in this emerging industrial sector.
In the streets of Paris, the air is slowly clearing, marking a positive start despite initial fears. Critics point out the challenges, but LithiGEO is already on its way to becoming an economic and environmental pillar for the city.
“Scientific Horizon” newspaper of April 2nd, by our journalist Émilie Dupont
Over the past few months, I have witnessed the transformation of the Île Seguin, a phenomenon that resonates with the industrial history of Paris. My visit at the dawn of the inauguration of the new electric car factory, powered by LithiGEO lithium, revealed to me a powerful symbol of sustainable innovation.
The factory, erected on the banks of the Seine, symbolizes renewal, progressivism, and a promise of energy independence. My investigation, enriched by discussions with experts in ecology and technology, confirms that this project is a cornerstone of our capital’s sustainable development strategy.
However, the reported incident of a mysterious creature seen in the Seine intrigues me. Captured in a photo by an early riser, this apparition has gone viral. The image, blurry and ambiguous, reflects the growing fear of the environmental consequences of our industrial era. As a scientist, I must remain skeptical of these rumors, while recognizing the importance of monitoring the effects of industrial pollution on our ecosystem.
This new chapter for Île Seguin, between industrial revolution and ecological conservation, reflects the challenge of our century: harmonizing technical progress with the preservation of our planet. As a journalist, I commit to following this evolution, to questioning, analyzing, and reporting the facts, so that we can all navigate this era of change with knowledge and discernment.
Article from ‘Le Réveil Populaire’ of April 2nd, by our special correspondent Maxime Lefèvre
In the thick media fog surrounding the reindustrialization of Île Seguin, the latest article by Émilie Dupont in Horizon Scientifique has struck a chord. As a special correspondent for Le Réveil Populaire, I feel compelled to untangle the overly smooth threads of her narrative. Dupont praises the transformation of the island into a purported citadel of green progress, but is this vision as clear and transparent as she claims?
Our Île Seguin, once a symbol of industrial might, is morphing into a supposed haven of green technology. But at what cost? The ultra-modern electric car factory, lauded by Dupont, could very well be our new nightmare. She talks of short circuits and progress, but overlooks potential ecological disasters.
And what about this “creature” spotted in the Seine? Dupont brushes off the matter as a mere anecdote. Yet, behind this tale may lie a darker truth about the environmental consequences of our race for innovation.
My investigation leads me to question these so-called ecological projects. Are we not risking sacrificing the beauty and health of our Seine on the altar of progress? Should Île Seguin become a symbol of technological advancement at the expense of our environment and heritage?
Yes, we need solutions for the future, but not at the cost of a sacrificed nature or an obscured truth. Unlike Dupont, I refuse to turn a blind eye to the risks that this new industrial era poses to our city. It’s time to awaken awareness, not to indulge in progressive illusions.
Élysée Statement of Wednesday, April 3
This morning, the President of the Republic announced a state of emergency following a dangerous gas leak from the lithium processing at the LithiGEO factory. In contrast to the reassuring statements issued by the Paris City Hall, whose offices overlook the thick cloud of yellow pollution, the President calls for a swift evacuation of the capital to preserve public health.
The seriousness of this incident requires an immediate and measured response. The President insists on the necessity for all Parisians to leave the city without delay to avoid major health risks. Measures are underway to contain the leak and assess the environmental impacts.
As citizens’ safety is the top priority, the President has ordered the activation of emergency plans and the mobilization of emergency services to assist the population in this ordeal.
The situation is being taken very seriously, and further information will be communicated as events unfold. The President calls for everyone to remain vigilant and to strictly follow the instructions of the authorities to ensure the safety of all.
The Republic is determined to manage this crisis with the utmost care and to take all necessary measures to protect its citizens.
“Le Cri des Campagnes” newspaper of April 3rd
Maybe they'll finally understand what it's like to live in harmony with nature
“The Parisian Exodus: When the Countryside Becomes Refuge”
The fields, which usually resonate with the rhythm of tractors and birds, are now invaded. Since the announcement of the gas leak in Paris, there has been a wave of city dwellers arriving with their suitcases in hand, descending upon our peaceful countryside.
“Here come the Parisians!” as old Marcel would say, sitting on his bench, observing the constant ballet of cars and weary families. These city folk, they don’t know the real life of the land, the one that rises with the sun and sets with it. And here we are, sharing our bread and our daily lives with these refugees of a new kind.
Between solidarity and worry, the inhabitants of our towns and hamlets are organizing. “We have to welcome them, we’re not savages!” exclaims Josette as she hands out warm soups to the newcomers. But behind the welcome, there’s questioning: will our fields, our schools, our small businesses be overwhelmed by this human tide fleeing the pollution of their concrete jungle?
The irony of fate is that these same Parisians, who once looked down on our rural life, now find themselves seeking refuge and breathing the pure air of our meadows. “Maybe they’ll finally understand what it’s like to live in harmony with nature,” murmurs André, the farmer, as he watches over his herd.
Rural solidarity is in full swing, but uncertainty remains: is this peaceful yet sudden invasion the beginning of a new era for our regions, a blend of cultures and ways of life, or just a passing episode? Only the future will tell, but one thing is certain, our countryside will never be the same after this Parisian exodus.
‘Le Monde’ newspaper of April 4th: The image war between the President and the Mayor of Paris.
“Le Cri des Campagnes” of July 12
The arrival of the Sacré-Cœur will lift the spirits of the refugee Parisians
“The Sacré-Cœur Revives in Fontenay-Le-Fleury, a New Lease of Life for Our Countryside”
In Fontenay-Le-Fleury, the excitement is palpable as the reconstruction of the Sacré-Cœur, relocated from Montmartre, progresses in the plain of Versailles. This project, far from garnering unanimity in Paris, is welcomed here as a breath of fresh air.
“The arrival of the Sacré-Cœur will lift the spirits of the refugee Parisians,” quips Bernard, a resident, evoking the comforting familiarity of the monument. The iconic silhouette of the basilica now outlines the horizon, weaving an unexpected link between the capital and our countryside.
A municipal delegation visited the construction site, proudly observing the progress of the work. The shared photos depict the scale of a project where tradition and modernity meet, promising a symbiosis between heritage and innovation.
Hope is growing that this initiative will breathe new life into tourism, transforming the Yvelines plains into a unique attraction hub. “This could change the game for our region, attracting both the curious and the devout to our lands,” hopes Bernard, envisioning a future where countryside and urbanity would coexist harmoniously.
‘Le Monde’ newspaper: Paris, 300 days later: Rapid Reindustrialization and Urban Exodus
Makeshift camps have sprung up on the now deserted peripheries of cars, where these workers find refuge, the height of the elevated roads providing them with relative shelter against the smog below.
In an interview with a Parisian taking refuge under a UN tent in Fontenay-le-Fleury, forced to telecommute to survive, the picture becomes clearer. “We fled the pollution, but life here is a different kind of struggle,” he confides, highlighting the complexity of the choices facing residents in the face of environmental initiatives.
This situation raises questions about the contradictions of environmental policies and urban planning. The desire to create a green and sustainable Paris seems to have been compromised by rapid and poorly regulated reindustrialization, illustrating the gap between well-intentioned efforts and their unexpected repercussions.
We fled the pollution, but life here is a different kind of struggle
