Olduvai theory
Overview
Energy
In physics, energy is an indirectly observed quantity. It is often understood as the ability a physical system has to do work on other physical systems...
production) will have a lifetime of less than or equal to 100 years (1930-2030). The theory provides a quantitative basis of the transient-pulse theory of modern civilization. The name is a reference to the Olduvai Gorge
Olduvai Gorge
The Olduvai Gorge is a steep-sided ravine in the Great Rift Valley that stretches through eastern Africa. It is in the eastern Serengeti Plains in northern Tanzania and is about long. It is located 45 km from the Laetoli archaeological site...
in Tanzania.
The Olduvai theory was introduced in 1989 by power system engineer Richard C. Duncan
Richard C. Duncan
Richard Duncan is chief author of the Olduvai theory, a prediction of rapidly declining world energy production. He has an MS in Electrical Engineering and a PhD in Systems Engineering from the University of Washington. He has taught engineering, worked for Lear Jet and Boeing, and worked in...
as the "transient-pulse theory of Industrial Civilization".
