Planet: Critical The Thermodynamics of Degrowth | Tim Garrett
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May 23, 2024 Tim Garrett, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Utah, discusses the thermodynamics of collapse, energy consumption's relation to civilization, and the necessity of surplus energy for growth. Topics include renewables’ impact on fossil fuel consumption, reducing inequality through energy cuts, and organizing a sustainable civilization. The conversation explores declining to recover, challenges in aligning economists and climate scientists, and ethical considerations in societal restructuring.
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Renewables May Not Replace Fossil Fuels
- Historically, new energy sources like oil and gas haven't replaced older ones like coal; they've been added.
- This increased overall energy availability fuels growth, potentially leading to even greater fossil fuel consumption.
The Holy Trinity: Energy, Matter, and Economy
- Human civilization's material transformation from natural resources to societies requires matter.
- Finite material resources and the planet's limitations necessitate considering the interplay between energy, matter, and economy.
GDP and Energy Surplus
- GDP is tied to the surplus of energy, the difference between consumption and sustenance needs.
- This surplus allows for material transformation and growth, highlighting the thermodynamic link between energy, matter, and economic production.