The Fate of Earth’s Civilization

            Through world history courses we have learned about the different types of civilizations that have existed on Earth, but where exactly does the planet stand as a whole. Several decades ago an astronomer Nikolai Kardashev designed a scale on how different civilizations should be ranked which are either a Type I Civilization, Type II Civilization, or Type III Civilization. A Type I Civilization is known as a planetary civilization where the planet works together as a whole and are able to harness its star’s energy and even control its planets energy allowing it to control weather and natural disasters. A Type II Civilization is described as a stellar civilization which is able to control the energy radiating from a star, such as our Sun, and colonize several planets. A Type III Civilization is able to control the energy from an entire galaxy and maybe even black holes.

            So where exactly do we stand? Our planetary civilization as a whole can be classified as a Type 0 Civilization. A Type 0 Civilization is in the process of evolving into a Type I Civilization and uses fossil fuels for energy. According to Dr. Michio Kaku we are about a hundred years from becoming a Type I Civilization, but this can change due to several factors. The Internet is seen as a Type I Civilization communication system since it is able to reach all corners of the globe. English has become an additional language to many people so it is seen as a Type I language where it could became the main language of the planet within the next century. The United Nations and the European Union are seen as Type I government and economy since they unite several countries who in the past and maybe even now dislike each other. Current fashions, cultures and the Olympics can be seen as Type I Civilization aspects since they are able to unite a large percent of Earth’s population. According to Dr. Michio Kaku a Type I Civilization is scientific, pluralistic, multicultural, and it is tolerant since it is global.

Even though we see the birth of several Type I Civilization features there are many aspects of planet Earth that try to slow down or even prevent us from achieving Type I status. Currently politicians and government officials with their thirst for power and money slow down the process for achieving a Type I Civilization. With the chance for wars always around the corner, countries would fear communicating with each other. Terrorism as well causes a negative trend when trying to achieve a Type I Civilization, since any actions taken by leads to war and violence.

            Now comes the question if other planetary civilizations have reached a Type I Civilization or even a greater status? Right now the answer is no. It is believe that if there is life on other planets they could have destroyed themselves when reaching Type I status probably while trying to harness their star’s energy and failing. There is also the possibility that other civilizations are not advanced as we are and are most likely centuries behind us, but the moment alien life are visit our planet they would be classified as a Type I Civilization.