To Infinity and Beyond...?

There is an interesting article in Cosmos magazine about the speculated 'state' of our civilisation. While not directly connected to renewable energy or environmental concerns, I find it interesting as it seems to indicate that, at out current rate of technological development, it is possible that we will develop fast enough to be able to surmount our self-inflicted environmental problems.
The article discusses Nicolai Kardashev's theory and grouping of advanced civilisations: types I, II, and III. It may interest you to know that in fact we are still type 0, though rapidly approaching type I, at which point we would be sufficiently advanced to be able to manipulate our planetary environment.

This is a 'promethean' view: the idea that we will be able to find scientific solutions to any problems that will arise. This idea, of course, hinges on the belief that our ingenuity and innovation will be able to outpace the problems that arise (natural or anthropogenic)! Currently we are, as a civilisation in general, following this route: for example, carbon capture and storage as a solution to climate change, and solar photovoltaics, wind turbines, etc as solutions to finding a clean and renewable energy source.

A little more discussion after the cut.



Views as to how we should (or will) continue as a civilisation in the future other than prometheanism include:

Survivalism: which sees an unavoidable coming apocalypse; natural disaster or simply exhaustion of resources.

'problem solving': that the problems we face are small enough to be dealt with either by experts, the general population, or by market forces (the economy). I would argue that this latter view is currently being relied upon to some extent - the effects of this can be seen in the current trend for companies to loudly proclaim their green credentials: if you're seen to be a pollution, oil-guzzling conglomerate, you may be losing business...

sustainable development: should be a familiar concept, but... is it possible to continue to develop and for this growth to be sustainable? 'Sustainable development' has become a bit of a political buzzword, and should be treated with caution...

Green romanticism: the view that we should all become much more eco-aware. At the risk of generalising, think of the people who move to the country and try to become entirely self-sufficient in terms of all resources. Admirable, but 6 billion people cannot possibly live like this.

There are many, many different viewpoints other than the few I have outlined here. For a start, what about a Great Green Revolution? People could rise up and replace the current economically focussed regime and replace it with one that puts the environment first...