Science and Technology of Sustainable Energy

Science and Technology of Sustainable Energy

PHYSICS 108/108G 2009

PHYSICS 108/108G 2009

Introduction IIIntroduction II

Assoc. Prof. Peter WillsRm 629, PhysicsTel: ext 88889

p.wills@auckland.ac.nz

Assoc. Prof. Peter WillsRm 629, PhysicsTel: ext 88889

p.wills@auckland.ac.nz

SustainabilitySustainability

Why?

What?

For whom?

How?

Why?

What?

For whom?

How?

Introduction IIIntroduction II

A brief history ofthe use of energyby humans and

some consequences

A brief history ofthe use of energyby humans and

some consequences

What is natural? What is natural?

Everything, because everything is consistent with the laws of physics, chemistry, etc.

But then we distinguish between what is “natural” and “unnatural” in relation to biological or social norms.

Everything, because everything is consistent with the laws of physics, chemistry, etc.

But then we distinguish between what is “natural” and “unnatural” in relation to biological or social norms.

Natural/Artificial distinction Natural/Artificial distinction

And we distinguish readily between what is natural and what is “artificial” (usually made by humans), to the extent that we now consider there to be sorts of “artificial intelligence” and perhaps some day “artificial life”.

And we distinguish readily between what is natural and what is “artificial” (usually made by humans), to the extent that we now consider there to be sorts of “artificial intelligence” and perhaps some day “artificial life”.

The artificialThe artificial

What is artificial usually involves intentional human intervention. What comes about would not be conceivable without some sort of symbolic information processing, occurring in some human brain, of representations of alternative outcomes.

What is artificial usually involves intentional human intervention. What comes about would not be conceivable without some sort of symbolic information processing, occurring in some human brain, of representations of alternative outcomes.

TechnologyTechnology

“Science of the industrial arts”

τέχνη (techné – “craftsmanship”)

ἐπιστήμη (épistémè – “knowledge”)

φύσις (physis – “nature”)

“Science of the industrial arts”

τέχνη (techné – “craftsmanship”)

ἐπιστήμη (épistémè – “knowledge”)

φύσις (physis – “nature”)

ToolsTools

The Caledonian Crow uses a twig as a tool to extract grubs

Technology and natureTechnology and nature

Perhaps technology is a part of nature in a much deeper way than its being a product of humans who are also a part of nature.

i.e., does technology precede humanity?

Perhaps technology is a part of nature in a much deeper way than its being a product of humans who are also a part of nature.

i.e., does technology precede humanity?

Why this philosophizing?Why this philosophizing?

Because “sustainable” cannot be defined in purely scientific terms. It is a value-laden term that must be analysed in relation to some context. In our case the context is 21st Century global society, and that context involves questions of politics, justice, economics, human rights, peace and conflict, and much more.

Because “sustainable” cannot be defined in purely scientific terms. It is a value-laden term that must be analysed in relation to some context. In our case the context is 21st Century global society, and that context involves questions of politics, justice, economics, human rights, peace and conflict, and much more.

BeginningsBeginnings

The time of origin of modern humans is not well known but may have been about 130,000–465,000 years ago. The place of origin is thought to have been sub-Saharan Africa and that the dispersal from Africa occurred within the past 100,000 years. The earliest known fossil and archaeological evidence on each continent is shown on the map (next).

The time of origin of modern humans is not well known but may have been about 130,000–465,000 years ago. The place of origin is thought to have been sub-Saharan Africa and that the dispersal from Africa occurred within the past 100,000 years. The earliest known fossil and archaeological evidence on each continent is shown on the map (next).

Human dispersalHuman dispersal

Last ice-age (~11,000 yr)

Aotearoa/New Zealand

Contrasts

Maori

Developed farming, strong social organization, warfare.

Moriori

Reverted to hunter-gatherer society, abandoned warfare.

Outcome: 19 November 1835, enslavement of Moriori on Rekohu.

Contrasts

Maori

Local use of resources. Slow extinctions. Seasonal tribal warfare. Small-scale use of energy.

British

Commercialization of resources (forests). Rapid extinctions. Sporadic imperial warfare. Large-scale use of energy.

Outcome: 6 February 1840, cultural subjugation of Maori.

Rapa NuiRapa Nui

All trees were cut down until no more boats could be made for fishing.

An isolated, unsustainable society.

Industrial revolution 1760-1850Industrial revolution 1760-1850

Fundamental changes occurred in agriculture, textile and metal manufacture, transportation, economic policies and the social structure in England. Thoroughly destroyed the old manner of doing things. Domestic System replaced by Factory System.

Industrial revolutionIndustrial revolution

Factories were large, dusty, poorly illuminated and ventilated and dangerous. The employment of women and children was commonplace and desired, for they were paid lower wages than their male counterparts.

Steam powerSteam power

Watt steam engine 1763 Corliss steam engine 1830

Textile industryTextile industry

Factories & railwaysFactories & railways

Second industrial revolutionSecond industrial revolution

1870-1914

chemical, electrical, petroleum, and steel

industries