Economics
Rethinking flows of value, energy, and resources. An economy aligned with planetary boundaries and human needs.
Introduction
Contemporary economics operates as if disconnected from physical reality. Yet every transaction involves energy, every product requires resources, every service depends on labor.
The Thermodynamic Perspective
Energy as Foundation
All economic activity is fundamentally energy transformation. Money is a claim on future energy use. GDP measures throughput, not wellbeing.
Entropy and Value
Value creation requires low-entropy inputs. Waste is high-entropy output. Sustainable economics must account for this thermodynamic reality.
Beyond Growth
Planetary Boundaries
Nine planetary boundaries define the safe operating space for humanity. An economy that transgresses these boundaries undermines its own foundation.
Sufficiency and Flourishing
Beyond a threshold, more consumption does not increase wellbeing. Economics must shift from maximizing output to optimizing for human flourishing within ecological limits.