Energy in World History

Abstract

All natural processes and all human actions involve transformation of energy. Civilization&s;s advances can be seen as a quest for higher energy use converted into increased food harvests and greater mobilization of materials. Since energy is an essential ingredient in all terrestrial activities, organic and inorganic, it follows that the history of the evolution of human culture must also be a history of man&s;s increasing ability to control and manipulate energy. Civilization&s;s advances can be seen as a quest for higher energy use converted into increased food harvests and greater mobilization of materials. These accomplishments result in larger populations organized with greater social complexity and enjoying a rising quality of life. All living systems are sustained by incessant imports of energy, and this dependence necessarily introduces a number of fundamental constraints. The economic consequences of the world&s;s prodigious energy use are reflected by the roster of the world&s;s largest companies.