In this blog post, we will examine whether energy is truly an infinite resource and whether we need to conserve it.
We live using enormous amounts of energy that were unimaginable in the past. Compared to the past, we now consume energy on a scale that can truly be described as an “energy ocean.” A situation in which usable energy becomes scarce is certainly not a desirable scenario for humanity. In his book Sapiens, Yuval Noah Harari argues that there are infinite sources of energy in the universe, and what we need is the technology to process those energy sources into a form that can be used efficiently. He cites the Industrial Revolution and the Scientific Revolution as evidence for his argument. In the past, humans used food as a source of energy to perform work through their bodies.
Although there were numerous energy sources, humans could not find a way to utilize them with their bodies alone. However, with the invention of the steam engine, countless machines that were previously unimaginable became operational. With the advancement of science, we now extract and use energy from electricity and even invisible atomic nuclei. Harari believes that the infinite progress of science and technology will provide us with endless energy.
However, if energy is infinite, why do we emphasize the importance of saving energy in our daily lives and strive to do so? Is energy really so infinite that we don’t need to worry about it?
My answer to this question is “no.” Take oil, for example. Countless things we use in our daily lives are derived from oil.
Oil refers to liquid hydrocarbons produced naturally underground or refined from them, which can also be interpreted as being confined within the limits of the Earth. In other words, oil is a resource with a limited total amount. The idea that this limited energy source can be used infinitely is an optimistic notion that ignores reality. In fact, oil production and consumption are increasing by billions of tons every year. This increasing consumption will lead to the depletion of resources, which will greatly restrict our lives.
Some may say that we should develop a substitute for oil. However, it is virtually impossible to find a resource that can completely replace oil, exists naturally, has sufficient reserves to meet current demand, and is easy to use. Therefore, artificial substitutes must be created, but this process will consume other resources, which will ultimately lead to the depletion of resources. No matter what we do, we cannot avoid the depletion of energy and resources.
Some may argue that the problem can be solved by using solar energy more effectively. However, current technology also relies on solar power to generate electricity. Even if technology advances, it is questionable whether there are other possibilities besides capturing light. In addition to this, various technologies such as renewable energy and nuclear fusion energy are being developed. However, renewable energy is less efficient than other technologies. Even new energy sources cannot provide an unlimited supply of raw materials. Nuclear fusion energy, which is attracting attention as a next-generation energy source, has radiation issues and cannot be operated for long periods of time with current technology, so more time is needed for development.
The amount of resources and energy consumed by humans is gradually increasing every year. Most of the scientific and technological advances in the future will also require energy. Considering the increasing energy consumption and decreasing energy reserves, the outcome is clear. Humanity will reach this singularity in the near future, and it will be difficult to avoid without revolutionary technological advances. So what is the best course of action?
Honestly, with limited energy, whatever we do, we have no choice but to consume energy to live, and this is an unavoidable reality. Therefore, there are not many things we can do. First, we need a conscious reform. Modern people are wasting energy in a seemingly endless sea of energy. When these wasteful habits of individuals accumulate, the amount of energy consumed becomes significant. To prevent this, we must always be conscious of energy conservation and not just keep this knowledge in our heads, but put it into practice so that it becomes second nature.
Second, we must develop energy-saving technologies. If energy consumption is inevitable, we need technologies that minimize consumption and generate some of the energy consumed. Examples include passive houses, zero-energy houses, plus-energy houses, and low-energy houses in the field of architecture. There is also a technology called Ecopath, which uses pressure-sensitive generators installed on roads to generate electricity from the pressure generated when vehicles pass over them.
Finally, we need to invent new technologies. Although I mentioned new technologies in a negative light earlier, I was criticizing the attitude of relying solely on new technologies and living with optimism. Of course, these technologies do not promise eternal energy production, but the discovery of useful energy sources can increase the limits of available energy, and technologies can be developed to find ways to save energy from existing technologies. If these technologies are realized, humanity will be able to postpone the time when we face extreme destruction.
Humanity has built modern society through endless revolutions and developments. Living a more affluent and technologically advanced life than in the past, we may be too complacent and turning a blind eye to the major problems that lie ahead. Even I myself have a desire to save energy, but I often find it troublesome to put it into practice, or I forget to do so. After reading “Sapiens,” I thought about energy issues and realized that they are more serious than I had thought. This experience has made me decide to live a life in which I am determined to save energy, even if it is only me.
