> From: Ken Norton <ken@xxxxxxxxxxx>
>
> Thom's
> analysis is absolutely correct, but it isn't the only factor.
> Transportation is an equally important factor. With good
> transportation, locating the civilization near the power source... is
> not necessary.
And yet you've surely come across the work of HT Odum in your research, who
shows that transportation is a function of energy. Indeed, all societal
complexity (such as transportation) is itself a function of energy. Take away
the energy, you take away cars, trucks, trains, and busses -- as well as
thirteen levels of bureaucracy, from dog catchers to building inspectors.
> The modern communications system is just another form of transportation.
And as such, it's another manifestation of energy, no?
I've seen some sources that claim upwards of 10% of our current electrical use
go into supporting communications infrastructure. The huge server farms that
power the likes of Faceplant and Google, as well as all the big air-conditioned
rooms full of the routers that stitch the very Internet together -- all crumble
and die without cheap energy.
----------------
:::: So much sadness exists in the world that we are all under obligation to
contribute as much joy as lies within our powers. -- John Sutherland Bonnell
:::: Jan Steinman, EcoReality Co-op ::::
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