In this blog post, we will discuss the problem of increasing entropy and how advances in science and technology can solve this problem, and explore the possibility of developing new energy systems.
Jeremy Rifkin, a renowned American economist and futurist, has pointed out that the “rapid increase in entropy” is an important issue that conflicts with the advancement of science. Here, “entropy increases” means “the amount of usable energy gradually decreases.” However, since we are constantly receiving nearly infinite solar energy, there is no reason why entropy should continue to increase. However, we are using energy “excessively,” which is causing entropy to continue to increase.
He points out that with the development of science and technology over the past 200 years, the rate of entropy increase has accelerated uncontrollably, and we are approaching the point where there will be no more usable energy. Therefore, he argues that we must put the brakes on technological developments that trigger entropy increase and return to a labor-centered, low-entropy society. So, do we really have to stop the development of science and technology? I believe that we should continue to advance science and technology.
First, we need to discuss why science and technology continue to advance. Why are we so obsessed with scientific and technological progress? Wouldn’t it be easier to simply give up on this progress? The answer is simple. It is because it is human nature. Specifically, it is because of the basic human desire for knowledge. Let’s think back to the low-entropy society of the past. Why didn’t entropy increase during that period as it does today? The reason is that the instinct for survival took precedence over the desire for knowledge. In that society, securing food and maintaining a livelihood were the most important things. The desire to satisfy curiosity only emerges after survival is assured.
However, at that time, survival itself was impossible without farming and raising livestock. This is because securing food was the top priority in life. When humans finally reached a stage of stable food supply where they could be self-sufficient, they naturally progressed to a desire for knowledge. Once the food problem is solved, it is virtually impossible to suppress human curiosity.
This is because it is the most basic nature of humans that other animals do not possess. Even if we return to a labor-intensive, low-entropy society, it is clear that when everyone can survive without worry, no one will be able to suppress their desire for knowledge. Even after returning to a low-entropy society, it will not be long before people around the world pursue scientific and technological advancement to satisfy their desire for knowledge.
Therefore, science and technology will inevitably continue to develop. However, people like Rifkin will continue to advocate a return to a low-entropy society. According to them, technological development has led to the current entropy limit, and unless this is stopped, the Earth will inevitably come to an end. If that is the case, why should science and technology continue to develop even in the current situation?
Even if we do not return to a low-entropy society, the development of science and technology is the only way to prevent the end of the Earth. Of course, even without the development of science and technology, it is possible to conclude global energy conservation agreements. It is also possible to reduce energy waste through social conventions such as imposing carbon taxes based on carbon dioxide emissions. However, these are only measures to slow down the rate of entropy increase and are not fundamental solutions. Unless we return completely to a low-entropy society, entropy will inevitably increase. Therefore, such social conventions are merely “auxiliary measures” to secure time for the advancement of science and technology.
However, the only way to fundamentally solve the entropy problem is through the advancement of science and technology. The fundamental alternative to reducing entropy lies in the use of renewable energy. This is because renewable energy provides virtually unlimited “usable energy.” However, the current forms of renewable energy, such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy, are not sufficient to power the entire world. The transition to more advanced forms of energy generation has also reached its limits. Furthermore, according to Rifkin, the cost and energy required to maintain and install renewable energy plants are so high that renewable energy is unlikely to become a practical alternative.
At first glance, it seems that even science and technology cannot prevent the depletion of the Earth’s energy, or in other words, the destruction of the Earth. However, what Rifkin overlooks is that it is no longer necessary to limit the scope of human development to Earth. Humankind is currently engaged in exchanges with space. Although we are still in the early stages of exploring space through meteorite analysis, moon landings, satellite launches, and space probes, if science and technology advance sufficiently to enable us to venture into the infinite possibilities of space, we will be one step closer to a fundamental solution to our energy problems.
In fact, “space solar power technology” is a new alternative that has been gaining attention recently. Solar panels attached to satellites, which can receive solar energy 24 hours a day without interruption, are highly energy efficient as they are not affected by the atmosphere or magnetic fields. Recently, solar tracking technology, which allows satellites to follow the sun, has been developed to further increase energy efficiency, and technology to transmit electricity wirelessly from satellites to Earth via a wireless power transmission system is also being developed. If this technology is perfected and large solar panels can be installed in space to transmit power to Earth, we will be able to use solar energy 24 hours a day without worrying about environmental destruction. In this way, advances in science and technology, especially the development of new energy systems, can be a fundamental solution to the problem of increasing entropy.
Advances in science and technology are not only a way to fundamentally solve the problem of entropy, but also a way to slow down its progress. As mentioned earlier, the rapid increase in entropy is caused by excessive energy consumption. Excessive consumption can be reduced through energy conservation agreements, but advances in science and technology can be expected to have an even greater effect. This is because science and technology can solve the problem of power loss, which cannot be solved by social conventions. Energy waste during power transmission and electricity wasted at night cannot be prevented by social conventions alone. However, this can be solved through the advancement of science and technology. In fact, a “smart grid” is an intelligent power grid that combines information technology with the power system to enable suppliers and consumers to exchange information and improve energy efficiency, and “energy storage devices” are being developed to store electricity and supply it when needed. In this way, science and technology can solve energy problems that cannot be solved by social conventions alone and slow down the rate of entropy increase.
The advancement of science and technology is an unstoppable force that has been driving humanity since we solved the food problem. However, with the rise of entropy due to technological progress, some have argued that we should return to a labor-intensive, low-entropy society. But this is not only contrary to human nature, it is also highly unlikely to happen. It is necessary to partially accept the opinions of those who advocate a return to a low-entropy society and reduce useless energy waste to secure time for science to solve the problem.
It is true that the advancement of science and technology has led to the current increase in entropy, but ultimately, it is also science and technology that can fundamentally stop this increase. Therefore, humanity must preserve its nature and continue this advancement.
