Historical Perspective on Energy (4000 BCE–2000 CE)

Abstract

This section summarizes the story of 6000 years of human innovation and achievements in the critical life-enabling field of energy. It looks deep into the complex mosaic of energy, especially as it has developed, and provides an understanding of the intertwined framework that includes dimensions of science, technology, innovation, policy, economics, resource constraints and random geopolitical events. Over much of this period, science and technology have moved relatively slowly, allowing time for laws and policies to stay generally aligned with the changes that technological innovation was bringing. Until the middle of the twentieth century, science generally lagged technology, and innovation was often driven by market need and by people with hands-on experience in a field, and not from a fundamental understanding of the underlying scientific principles (which were often not known when the solutions were being devised). By 2000, this had substantially changed. Scientific knowledge now provided the underpinnings of discovery and innovation, and the ability to predict and model/simulate phenomenon and behavior that simply could not be done without this knowledge. Further, today, exponential technologies are allowing us to innovate faster and to reduce risk and time to market. This succinct summary provides a rearview mirror to how energy has impacted our society, economic growth, environment, climate, and our ability to enhance and accelerate innovations to overcome the contemporary challenges.