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Originally posted by Phage
There are two ways to accomplish this; we can cover every square meter of the Earth's surface with solar panels or we can create a solar array as large or larger than the Earth itself (creating an artificial solar eclipse which would cover an entire hemisphere), somehow keep it positioned on the dayside, and transmit the energy to Earth. While we may have the technological means to accomplish the former, I don't see it as a practical solution. We have a long way to go to accomplish the latter.
Originally posted by Phage
reply to post by bigfatfurrytexan
The avalanche effect makes solar collection more efficient. Using aerosol arrays is still solar collection. To use all of the available solar energy, by definition, the collection method would have to be 100% efficient (oh, let's fudge a little and just say "very efficient") and it would still have to intercept all of the sunlight.
I wasn't ignoring other energy sources. Actually I was, but only because they are insignificant compared to solar energy. But you're right, to be a type 1 civilization, all of the energy must be harvested. And it's use creates heat.
Originally posted by Unknown Perpetrator
Type 1/2/3 civilization stuff is pie in the sky.
From Type 0.2 - 0.7 we've wrecked the planets eco-system by which we need to survive. We have no need for Type 1 energy consumption and even if we were consuming this amount of energy the planet would overheat and there isn't enough mineral resource to
justify such energy conversions to practical use
It becomes counterproductive, we use more and more energy in geo-engineering in offsetting the effects of exponential energy use.
I envision long before any society reaches a type 1 civilization it's has to make the 'Galactic Jump Off' into space travel and colonization, therefore energy use on earth can never approach Type 1 levels. Problem is, I believe resource depletion and catastrophe will hit before we realistically master space travel to take advantage of minerial/energy depoits around our solar system.
We ain't getting off this rock folks.
Originally posted by Phage
reply to post by SLAYER69
China and India are already online, producing the power they require for their own needs.
Solar energy (the only real power source, the rest are stopgaps) can be harvested and stored (given sufficient tech) as it sweeps over the face of the Earth. There is no requirement that it be shared on a global grid the way electricity is shared in North America. Of course if the nations which are harvesting that energy in space deprive other nations who are only using surface based collection methods there will be conflicts, just as there always have been when resources need to be shared. As always those conflicts will be resolved, one way or another. The strongest will flourish. If they are benevolent they will share the energy harvest. If not...if not, there will be great losses. But loss is something we humans have been coping with for a very long time.
If we do keep progressing toward being a Type 1 civilization, I think it is inevitable that Earth will become unified in some form but not necessarily by design. Someone said earlier that would mean empire. Perhaps, but I don't think empire is necessarily evil. The great powers of Earth all share similar levels of technology yet their cultures are very different and separate. Separate cultures and even nations can exist under a single empire. The Romans did it using military power. Maybe if it was based instead on the selective sharing of energy and technology it would be different. A Type 1 civilization based on a single planet has essentially unlimited energy. With unlimited energy all other resources become readily available. "Join us and share, or continue on your own path. The choice is yours. There is enough for all.". I don't know...maybe.
But damn, it's going to get hot. And probably crowded too. We really need to break out of the cage but the cage is so large.