Empowering the Earth system by technology: Using thermodynamics of the Earth system to illustrate a possible sustainable future of the planet

TL;DR

This paper discusses how appropriate technologies like photovoltaics and seawater desalination can enable sustainable human development while minimizing environmental impacts, using thermodynamics principles of the Earth system.

Contribution

It introduces a thermodynamics-based framework to illustrate a sustainable future of the Earth system through technological interventions.

Findings

Technologies can sustainably increase food and energy production.

Minimizing detrimental impacts is possible with proper technology.

Thermodynamics principles guide sustainable development strategies.

Abstract

With the use of the appropriate technology, such as photovoltaics and seawater desalination, humans have the ability to sustainably increase their production of food and energy while minimising detrimental impacts on the Earth system.