Current energy crisis and its economic and environmental consequences: Intense human cooperation

Abstract

In this paper, the evolution of the\renergy use by human society is discussed, relating the energy, environmental\rand economic crisis, which appear to be closely linked. With the widespread use\rof fossil fuels since the industrial revolution, a major environmental problem\rwas generated: the climate changes. The economic consequences of climate\rchanges are discussed in Stern (2006). Possible solutions to confront climate change are presented in the\rIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report (2007). Some of these\rsolutions are based on technological development, while others do not directly\rdepend on the technology (paradigm shifts). Faced with the needs of a new paradigm\rsuggested by the IPCC, the recent concept of sustainable triangular cells (2012)\rwas introduced. The geometric representation of triangular cells, which can be\rlinked to form a regular hexagon, is used to demonstrate a sustainable society,\rwhere human cooperation prevails. This model is in line with one of the pillars\rof the Third Industrial Revolution, indicated by Rifkin, where an intense\rcollaboration between individuals in human society is suggested.