Global Artificial Photosynthesis: Transition from Corporatocene to Sustainocene
Faunce T.A. Global Artificial Photosynthesis: Transition from Corporatocene to Sustainocene, Photochemistry 2017; 44: 261-284 DOI: 10.1039/9781782626954-00263; ISBN: 978-1-78262-543-8
23 Pages Posted: 2 Oct 2018 Last revised: 17 Oct 2018
Date Written: October 25, 2017
Abstract
It is a profoundly socially transformative idea that in the future, every road and building on the earth’s surface, with the assistance of nanotechnology, will be undertaking photo- synthesis. Some direct implications of equitably distributing artificial photosynthetic technology across the globe include removing the need for centralised sources of food or fuel. Other indirect outcomes could include stabilisation of population growth (from increased education in developing nations), reduced opportunities for war or corruption and facilitation of progress towards cultures that encourage human flourishing and mental peace, as well as ecosystem sustainability. This can be characterised as a technology- driven transition from the Corporatocene to Sustainocene epoch. One approach to realising such a transition is a global project on artificial photosynthesis, inspired by other large scale scientific projects such as the Human Genome Project, the Large Hadron Collider, the Hubble Space Telescope. This approach has been the subject of collaborative publications and international conferences. Implicit in the task of creating a Global Project on Artificial Photosynthesis is the need to create a favourable governance framework, that is predicated on the consistent application of universally applicable principles.
Keywords: Artificial Photosynthesis, Corporatocene, Sustainocene, Global Artificial Photosynthesis, Sustainability, Nanotechnology
JEL Classification: 033, K33, I18
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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