Humans need another 350 years to reach a type 1 civilization, exploiting cosmic energy

The Kardashev Scale evaluates a civilization based on its ability to harness energy from the universe. The higher the index, the better the civilization is at using the abundant energy of the stars around it.

A new study, just published on the ArXiv server, explores the potential for humanity to reach the highest rank of a Type I civilization.

To do that, we need to fully harness the energy of the Sun.

The Kardashev scale was introduced by Soviet astronomer Nikolai Kardashev in 1964. It is a tool to measure the technological progress of a civilization based on its ability to utilize energy as well as the degree to which space colonization of a civilization.

Accordingly, three levels of civilization are given:

1. Type I, can use all the energy resources on the parent planet;
2. Type II is able to use all its energy from the sun
3. Type III can use energy in a galaxy.

Science fiction has also mentioned type IV, in which civilization has mastered all the resources in its universe;

Type V, master of all universes;

Type VI manipulates matter smaller than atomic particles, such as quarks, neutrons (it's hard to imagine this civilization);

Type VII bends, manipulates time and space, can do anything.

Some scientists believe that a Type III civilization may have emerged. For example, a team of researchers from Leiden University is looking for infrared signals that they believe could be the remnants of a Dyson sphere - giant machines used to harness the power of a star. .

The Kardashev scale can be transformed into a spectrum to better suit human civilization

Interestingly enough, we humans don't really qualify to be classified as a Type I civilization, and in light of the fact that we have yet to detect the presence of any other intelligent species, these The civilizations mentioned above are basically just theories. On average, approximately 10^16 watts of solar energy reach the Earth, and humanity currently harnesses only about 10^13 watts.

Carl Sagan, a famous scientist, said the Kardashev scale can be transformed into a spectrum to better suit human civilization. According to Sagan's idea, humanity currently stands at 0.73 on the scale, which means we are not too far from a Type I civilization anymore.

In the study, the scientists assessed three of humanity's main energy sources: fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewables. They estimate the potential growth of each energy source by analyzing the physical limitations of each type of energy source, relative to the need to limit the effects of climate change. and other environmental concerns, such as pollution.

Scientists have found that, even with realistic limits, it is still quite possible for humanity to become a Type I civilization. However, it is estimated that we will not be able to yet. achieve this goal until at least 2371.

Overall, this is just a rough estimate, not considering the improvements that could emerge over the next few decades. However, it makes us question whether to ignore the climate crisis and resolve to become a Type I civilization with the ability to explore the universe and exploit the endless energy resources out there. .