Can we close Earthʹs sustainability gap?

The principal options for engineering Earthʹs ecological future can be concisely visualized in a conceptual dilemma matrix. Scaling of the matrix with real world data confirms the widening of Earthʹs sustainability gap, due to our increasing ecological footprint. The simplicity of the dilemma matrix articulated here may help to focus the debate at future Global Summits and World Future Energy Summits on the critical scenario options. Geoscientists and engineers at energy companies share a major responsibility with many societal actors in setting the right example, particularly in searching for sustainable energy solutions. One view is that technology can help solve all issues. Another view is that nature is needed for sustainable ecosystem services. A most pessimistic view is based on analogy of human behavior with that of ants – eusocial groups like ourselves. Ant wars for access to limited resources warn us for a future where scarcity of resources may force us to resort to brutal, competitive behavior – rather than civilized diplomacy. Options to avoid such an outcome are outlined in this study.