Tom Murphy: Planetary Limits Perspectives; UCSD Physics Colloquium 2023.05.18

Introduction by George Fuller. The trajectory of growth upon which modern civilization is built inevitably reaches—or even temporarily surpasses—limits imposed by a finite planet. This talk offers physics-based perspectives on space, time, energy, and ecology that help frame the present moment. In this deep dive exploring the foundational requirements for long-term sustainability, we will see that renewable energy is not "the answer,” but rather that a meaningful future will require a more profound—or even radical—shift in our attitudes, expectations, beliefs, practices, and self-perceptions.

Chapter Content:
0:00 Introduction by George Fuller
2:42 Background
5:02 Space Fantasies
9:52 Energy; FF Spike; Extrapolation!
14:40 Economic Implications
15:45 Limits to Growth
18:04 Hockey Stick Gallery
19:39 Ecological Nosedive
22:22 Ecological Footprint
23:26 Time
25:50 Three "Choices"
28:53 Is Renewable Energy the Answer?
31:20 What Would Animals Want?
34:27 Perspectives, Time Scales, and Fireworks
38:19 Mythologies
43:09 Equalities and Inequalities
45:35 A New Operating System
49:24 Helpful Visions
52:00 What Can I Do?
55:55 My Own Response
57:10 Success or Failure
58:28 Q1: Learned to Ignore Warnings
1:00:22 Q2: Limits to Space Travel
1:03:22 Q3: Reversing Population Growth?
1:05:55 Q4: Enjoyments of Modernity
1:08:20 Q5: Young Folks Need Jobs
1:12:34 Q6: Rejecting the Energy Transition?