What can economists and energy engineers learn from thermodynamics beyond the technical aspects?

Abstract

For over half a century, progress in non-equilibrium thermodynamics, in particular with the emergence of the theory of dissipative structures, has inevitable implications for the self-organization of human societies and biodiversity whose losses affect directly subsistence and daily life. Seen from this angle, the thermodynamics of human societies resulting from that of living organisms, developed at the end of nineteenth century, suggests a likely collapse of societies that dissipate the most energy. In the unbalanced pursuit of economic growth, for the sake of competitiveness, economists and energy engineers must take into account this risk seriously before the situation becomes more critical. This awareness, resulting from the study of complex non-linear systems, can help build better energy solutions based on the energy efficiency and renewable energies, which must replace progressively fossil fuels to keep to a minimum their use.