By going through the transitions in cell evolution and energy regimes, evolutionary biologist Manfred Laubichler explains the dynamics behind the formation of the metabolic activity and complexity of our planet. Our current sociotechnological system seems to be producing just another step change in evolutionary history, leaving us with the question of what is needed to halt its negative effects, which threaten to annihilate life on Earth as we know it.

In his essay, Manfred Laubichler applies insights from evolutionary and complexity theory to better frame the question of biospheric metabolism across different scales and historical regimes. He then concludes his essay with a few general observations about the implications of an extended evolution perspective for understanding the evolution of the technosphere focusing specifically on energy, as it is beyond a doubt one of the central challenges for our global future.

Read the full article in HKW’s (Haus der Kulturen der Welt) Technosphere Magazine online

The Technosphere Magazine is part of HKW’s Technosphere research project (2015-2019).

See more on Manfred Laubichler’s work here and here