One Piece could be Oda’s Take on the Real World After a Climate-Change Apocalypse

Despite its fantastical setting, the One Piece world has been the subject of speculation among devoted fans. Some believe that creator Oda may be using his artistic vision to comment on real-world issues such as climate change, fossil fuel consumption, and global warming.

According to recent One Piece chapters, Dr. Vegapunk has made a prediction about a looming climate change disaster. His prediction involves the entire One Piece world being submerged in the ocean. This intriguing theory proposes that the vast oceanic landscape and multitude of islands in the series may serve as a metaphor for a world plagued by the effects of climate change and its accompanying environmental destruction.

The Role of One Piece in Addressing Climate Change

Sea level rose after Mother Flame was used (Image via Shueisha)

Despite the real world’s primary cause of rising sea levels being melting ice caps and increasing temperatures, in the world of One Piece, this is not the case. The anime presents a prominent theme of rising sea levels, but it differs from the real world.

In the series, a substance called Keratin is released during volcanic eruptions. The name Keratin translates to “dead skin particles,”and when it comes into contact with water, it creates sky clouds. This concept of Keratin being influenced by fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal is an intriguing idea. Similar to how fossil fuels are made from ancient deceased organisms, Keratin in the anime is formed from past mortality.

Sky islands have a considerable amount of Keratin (Image via Shueisha)

The comparison highlights the similarity between the production of CO2 or Carbon Dioxide in the real world and the virtual world. Both processes involve the release of this greenhouse gas, which traps heat and contributes to global warming, through burning fossil fuels or volcanic activity.

In the series, Keratin is present in the atmosphere as a particle, similar to the way CO2 is present in our atmosphere. When it comes into contact with water, Keratin produces sky clouds, which could potentially have catastrophic effects.

One Piece: The Dangers of Sky Cloud and Pyrobrine

Sky cloud as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

This anime portrays the sky cloud as more than a typical cloud formation. It serves as a heat trap, similar to CO2, and acts as a barrier, preventing the sun’s rays from reaching the planet, similar to ash.

The rapid formation of sky clouds mirrors the alarming trend of climate change in our world, which could result in catastrophic occurrences. The thought of the sky losing its brightness is a haunting reminder of a planet undergoing the consequences of climate change.

Sky Island introduced fans to Pyrobloin (Image via Shueisha)

Within the world of this anime, there exists a made-up substance known as Pyrobloin, also commonly referred to as Pyrobrine. This term can be understood by simply swapping the positions of the letters ‘L’ and ‘R’, resulting in Pyrobrine, which translates to “fire”and “saltwater”, respectively.

This implies that Oda utilized the idea of burning saltwater as a basis for the creation of this imaginary substance. It is worth noting that Pyrobrine is emitted during volcanic eruptions, implying that it exists beneath the earth’s surface. This leads to speculation about the existence of a subterranean ocean that is constantly boiling.

The Post-Apocalyptic World in One Piece

The Egghead Island has dense clouds around it (Image via Shueisha)

The manga’s 1114th chapter showcases Vegapunk’s Mother Flame power source, which involves a flame being placed underwater. It is believed that Pyrobrine is a result of this mother flame.

A possible explanation for the presence of the Egghead lab above the sky cloud is the connection between Pyrobrine and the mother flame. It is believed that the mother flame could naturally form in Egghead, leading to the formation of the lab. This theory further proposes that the anime world emerged after the planet was destroyed by sky clouds, believed to represent greenhouse gases.

Sky Island as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

The present anime universe was constructed on top of the previous sky islands that once blanketed the sky, resulting in the planet and its oceans becoming scorching hot. This disaster is believed to have been caused by the utilization of the Eternal Flame, an enhanced variation of the mother flame.

Just like in the real world, the anime world sealed its own fate in its pursuit of unlimited energy. The use of the eternal flame, similar to the burning of fossil fuels, resulted in the atmosphere becoming filled with sky clouds. Despite this, people were able to continue living on the former earth before the sky was completely covered, but they witnessed the gradual dimming of sunlight.

One Piece: The Role of Life and Pyrobrine

A snapshot from the anime series (Image via Toei Animation)

The origin of Keratin can be traced back to fossil fuels and dead skin particles. When mixed with water, Keratin creates a sky cloud that represents life. This is symbolic of Heaven, a place where growth is constant, similar to the way Moria, who absorbs shadows, continuously evolves.

Deep within Keratin, a hidden truth is found in Pyrobrine, which is believed to be formed by the fiery destruction of the vast oceans. This powerful force is said to absorb the essence of the sea, as it is traditionally seen as the pathway to the afterlife in both pirate tales and ancient Japanese legends.

Final thoughts

This anime world comprises of many Sky Islands (Image via Toei Animation)

The idea that One Piece portrays a future Earth devastated by climate change is fascinating. The Earth’s rising sea levels may have submerged landmasses, resulting in the vast oceans depicted in the series. The sky islands could potentially represent the last remaining habitable areas, while Pyrobrine may symbolize the disastrous consequences of excessive greenhouse gas emissions.

Although not confirmed, this hypothesis offers insight into the possible real-life influences for imaginary universes. Regardless of its accuracy, this anime series serves as a stimulating platform. It encourages conversations about the importance of environmental awareness and the pressing need to tackle climate change.