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5000AD estimate is complete bullshit. Our energy consumption doubles every ~20 years (15 to 35 by various sources). In only 10 doublings (200 years) our energy
by rorrr 14y ago
5000AD estimate is complete bullshit. Our energy consumption doubles every ~20 years (15 to 35 by various sources).
In only 10 doublings (200 years) our energy consumption will increase 1,000 times.
After 20 doublings (400 years), it will increase 1,000,000 times.
I expect by then we will be using mostly fusion and/or the energy of the Sun (and/or some new energy source).
- jlgreco 14y agoIf you keep that extrapolation up, you are going to get an argument for starting construction on a Dyson sphere. That may be the correct goal, but we really are in no position yet to reason about the necessity or practicality of such energy expenditure.
- learc83 14y agoDon't you think we might not stay on that curve forever? At some point growth in access to western amenities (climate control, transportation, better food) will level off, and population growth will level off. Also in 1000 years we'll have athletes who finish races before they begin.
- rorrr 14y ago> Don't you think we might not stay on that curve forever? Not forever, but the exponential growth is inevitable while the resources are available and are used more and more efficiently.