Making the Modern World

Materials and Dematerialization

By: Vaclav Smil

Dune (Imaginary place)

Science

over the course of time, the modern world has become dependent on unprecedented flows of materials. now even the most efficient production processes and the highest practical rates of recycling may not be enough to result in dematerialization rates that would be high enough to negate the rising demand for materials generated by continuing population growth and rising standards of living. this...