How the World Really Works

The world we live in is complex and intertwined with many relationships, processes and challenges that are often invisible or overlooked. In "How the World Really Works", Vaclav Smil offers a unique perspective on the fundamental pillars of our civilization - energy, food, materials, globalization, risk, the environment, and the future. He backs his analysis with facts and figures, giving readers the tools to gain a deeper understanding of what is shaping the modern world. Smil's book is not only about finding answers to current questions, but also about realizing how closely interconnected all areas of human activity are. This fascinating guide reveals a reality that is often less comfortable, but all the more important for understanding the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The modern world is inextricably linked to energy, which drives all our activities. Without it, there would be no industrial revolution, no urbanisation and no globalisation. Despite technological progress and efforts at ecological transformation, our world remains deeply rooted in fossil fuels - oil, coal and natural gas. Everyday things, from electricity to food, depend on this energy infrastructure. Imagine, for example, the production of cement, a basic building material. This process requires a huge amount of energy, as the temperatures required to burn limestone exceed 1400 °C. Such power is only possible thanks to fossil fuels. In 2020 alone, the world produced around 4 billion tonnes of cement, which required an unimaginable amount of energy. Steel - crucial for industry, transport and infrastructure - is in a similar position. Despite research into alternatives, there is as yet no mass-produced, coal-free way to produce it. The energy transition is often presented as a simple switch to renewables, but the reality is more complex. Wind turbines, solar panels or batteries for energy storage themselves require energy-intensive production processes. Moreover, their efficiency does not reach a level that would meet current global needs. The example of modern agriculture shows how deep our connection to energy is. Fertilisers, crucial for mass food production, are produced using ammonia, the synthesis of which is one of the most energy-intensive chemical processes. As a result, agriculture's dependence on oil and gas translates directly into the price of food on the shelves. If we want to understand how the world really works, we have to admit that we are still children of fossil fuels. Despite our ecological ambitions, we still have a long way to go to achieve a sustainable energy system that can cope with the demands of our civilisation.

Food production is one of the most basic yet complex systems on which our civilisation rests. Modern agriculture, which feeds billions of people, has long since moved beyond traditional cultivation and farming. It is a sophisticated process that requires massive amounts of energy, technological innovation and chemical inputs. Let us start with synthetic fertilisers, which are the mainstay of intensive agriculture. Their key ingredient is ammonia, obtained using the Haber-Bosch process. This discovery at the beginning of the 20th century enabled a dramatic increase in food production and boosted population growth. However, to produce one tonne of ammonia requires the combustion of vast quantities of natural gas, which illustrates our energy dependence. Without these fertilisers, world food production would fall dramatically, with millions of people facing hunger. But food production is not just about growing. Transportation, processing and distribution are energy-intensive stages that increase the ecological footprint. Industrial greenhouses, for example, allow crops such as tomatoes and lettuce to be grown out of season, but burn tonnes of fossil fuels to maintain optimum conditions. Each such product carries with it a cost that far exceeds its purchase price - the cost of energy. Livestock production, on the other hand, represents an even greater burden. It takes more than 15 thousand litres of water to produce one kilogram of beef and a lot of feed grown on energy-depleted land. In addition, the methane emissions released into the atmosphere by ruminants increase the impact on climate change. This model, however effective in securing food, is unsustainable in the long term. The globalised nature of the food industry is an important example of our interconnectedness with energy. Whereas historically crops and products were consumed locally, today they travel thousands of kilometres to reach our table. Bananas from Ecuador or salmon from Norway require sophisticated logistics networks and refrigeration, which consume additional resources. Food production mirrors the modern world - highly efficient, yet fragile. Our ability to feed a growing population depends on energy and technology, which, paradoxically, are the main reasons for the environmental challenges we face. If we want to sustain this system, we must find a way to reduce its dependence on non-renewable resources without compromising global food security.

Every material that shapes our modern civilisation has its roots in sophisticated technological processes based on energy. From steelmaking to plastics production, these processes have become the pillars of economic growth, but they are also the reason for the environmental and energy crisis we face. Let us think about aluminium, a material known for its lightness and durability. It is used in the aerospace industry, in cars, even in everyday products such as drinks cans. However, the production of aluminium requires an extreme amount of electricity. For example, the process of electrolysis of bauxite, which converts this ore into pure aluminium, is one of the most energy-intensive industrial operations. Without cheap and reliable electricity, aluminium products would simply not be available on a mass scale. Glass, another common material we use every day, requires high temperatures to melt silica sand and turn it into transparent panels or containers. This process has been unchanged for millennia, but its industrial scale has grown dramatically in recent centuries. Again, the main source of energy is fossil fuel or electricity, increasing the ecological footprint of production. In the production of composite materials such as carbon fibre, we are entering an even more sophisticated world of modern technology. Carbon fibres, used for example in high-end sports cars or in the aerospace industry, are lightweight and strong, but their production requires chemically intensive processes. These processes are often highly specialised and energy-intensive, highlighting their inextricable link to energy sources. Nor can industrial chains do without rare earths, which are the basis for modern technologies ranging from smartphones to renewable energy. These materials are mined and processed in a limited number of countries, often at high environmental and social cost. The process of extracting and processing them, such as lithium or cobalt, is energy-dependent, and their availability is often dictated by geopolitical tensions. The material world is forcing us to think about how to make modern industry more sustainable. Finding alternatives to traditional methods of producing and processing materials will be the key to enabling us to continue to develop without devastating our planet. This path requires not only technical innovation, but also a transformation in thinking and access to resources.

Globalisation is one of the most significant characteristics of the modern world. Economic interconnectedness, which enables the exchange of goods, services and information across the world, has become an engine of growth and prosperity. However, this connectivity also brings with it risks that reveal the fragility of a system dependent on the concentration of production and logistics chains. Imagine that up to 70% of rubber gloves produced in the world come from a single factory in Malaysia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this reality became a huge problem when production disruptions caused a global shortage. This example highlights how dependence on one region or one country can threaten the stability of the whole system. Similarly, semiconductor manufacturing, where Taiwan holds a key role - more than half of all chips come from there. The logistics chains that link factories, ports and trading hubs are vital to the functioning of a globalised market. But it is their complexity that makes them vulnerable to disruption. Just look at 2021, when the stranding of the Ever Given in the Suez Canal caused massive delays and financial losses around the world. This incident showed how narrow the line is between efficiency and fragility. However, globalisation is not just about economics, but also about culture, technology and knowledge. Information spreads instantly; innovations in one country can quickly affect the rest of the world. But this interconnectedness also allows the spread of misinformation, political tensions and global problems such as cyber-attacks or pandemic diseases. The impact of globalisation on the environment is another concern. The transport of goods over thousands of kilometres, production in energy-intensive factories and excessive consumption of resources increase the ecological footprint. The production of a single phone can involve raw materials from four continents and logistics that consume tonnes of fossil fuels. Globalisation is an inherent part of the modern world, but it also exposes its vulnerability. The future requires diversifying production, strengthening local economies and creating more sustainable operating models. If we can meet these challenges, a connected world can be a source not only of prosperity but also of stability for future generations.

The modern world, built on technological advances and global interconnectedness, carries risks that can threaten its stability. From environmental disasters to health crises to technological threats, the risks we face are increasingly complex and their impact more difficult to predict. An example of an unexpected crisis is the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus, which spread at the speed of global traffic, revealed how fragile our infrastructure is. Hospitals faced congestion, supply chains were disrupted and economies came to the brink of collapse. This experience has shown that, even in the 21st century, we are vulnerable to biological threats that can reach us on a global scale. Climate change is another major risk. Rising sea levels, extreme weather and deteriorating conditions for agriculture threaten not only the environment but also the economic stability of many regions. Cyclone Amphan, for example, which hit India and Bangladesh in 2020, caused billions of dollars worth of damage and left millions of people homeless. Such events are likely to increase if global warming is not curbed. Technological risks are another major challenge. Cyber-attacks that disrupt data security or infrastructure are becoming more frequent. In 2021, a ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline in the US temporarily disrupted the fuel supply for millions of people. This incident showed that even sophisticated systems can be easily vulnerable. Another risk is the concentration of production and dependence on a few key regions. If there is a disruption at one node, the whole system can collapse. This concentration is evident in the case of semiconductors, where Taiwan and South Korea dominate production. If conflict were to break out in this region, the consequences would ripple through the global technology and industrial sectors. The risks we face are interlinked and often multiply their impact. To cope with them, we need more resilient systems, greater diversification of resources and cooperation at global level. While modern civilisation has the tools to address these challenges, it requires long-term planning, science and the ability to anticipate even the most unexpected scenarios.

Human activity is profoundly reshaping the environment, which is the basis of our existence. While technological progress has brought many benefits, it has also caused unforeseen ecological consequences. Today, we are faced with problems that require urgent solutions because the state of the planet directly affects the future of the whole of civilisation. Air pollution is one of the most serious environmental problems. Approximately 7 million people die each year from diseases associated with air pollution, making it a silent killer. Large cities like Delhi or Beijing often suffer from smog, which limits visibility and endangers the health of residents. This phenomenon is the result of fossil fuel combustion, industrial production and massive transport. The oceans, which cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface, face extensive plastic pollution. Approximately 8 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the sea every year, causing the death of marine animals and disrupting ecosystems. In 2019, the world's largest "plastic dump" was discovered - the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which covers an area of more than 1.6 million square kilometres. What's more, these plastics break down into microplastics that enter the food chain, posing a threat to human health. Deforestation is another alarming problem. Tropical rainforests, known as the 'lungs of the Earth', are disappearing as a result of logging, agriculture and urbanisation. The Amazon rainforest alone has lost more than 20% of its area since 1970. Deforestation not only threatens biodiversity, but also contributes to climate change as trees absorb carbon dioxide. Without them, the carbon cycle becomes less stable. Climate change is the greatest challenge of our century. Rising temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events and melting glaciers are affecting millions of people around the world. In 2022, Europe experienced the hottest summer on record, causing widespread droughts and crop failures. These phenomena show that the climate crisis is no longer a threat to the future, but a problem of the present. Tackling environmental challenges requires cooperation at a global level. Protecting nature, reducing emissions and switching to renewable energy sources are key steps that we need to take. However, all progress takes time and coordination, and it is important that these actions become a priority not only for governments, but also for individuals and businesses. The environment is the foundation of everything we have, and protecting it is our responsibility to future generations.

The future of human civilisation faces fundamental questions that require complex answers. In the context of environmental crises, technological advances and social challenges, our ability to adapt and cooperate will be critical for survival and prosperity. One of the key issues of the future is energy. The world is gradually shifting from fossil fuels to renewables, but this transition will not be easy. Wind turbines, solar panels and batteries may offer hope, but their mass production requires precious metals such as lithium and cobalt, the extraction of which is energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. Without innovations in energy efficiency and energy storage, the transition to a sustainable model will be slow. Technology has an important role to play in shaping our future. Automation and artificial intelligence are transforming the labour market, with many traditional occupations disappearing. At the same time, new industries are emerging that require different skills. This transformation requires reform of education systems so that people can adapt to rapidly changing conditions. For example, the concept of lifelong learning is becoming a necessity for workers to remain competitive. Global challenges such as climate change, pandemic threats or inequality require cooperation between countries. Unilateral solutions are proving insufficient. International organisations and agreements, such as the Paris Climate Agreement, point the way, but implementation is often slow and politically complicated. In order to secure the future, we must overcome short-sighted interests and focus on long-term goals. One of the less visible challenges is social stability. Rapid changes in technology, demographics and the economy can disrupt social cohesion, leading to polarisation and unrest. The future requires models of governance that are fair and inclusive to prevent the escalation of conflict and inequality. Societies that can foster solidarity and innovation will be better prepared to face the challenges. The future is not fixed - it is an ever-changing space of possibilities. Our choices today influence what comes tomorrow. While the challenges may seem enormous, they have a positive side: they offer an opportunity for transformation. If we can combine scientific knowledge, technological progress and collaboration, the future can be sustainable, prosperous and fair for all.

"How the World Really Works" is not only a detailed analysis of the mechanisms that shape our everyday reality, but also an invitation to reflect on the future. Vaclav Smil shows that our civilization stands on foundations that are both solid and vulnerable - be it energy resources, material needs, or ecological balance. To overcome challenges such as climate change, technological risks or social inequalities, we need not only innovation but also a deep understanding of the processes that govern the world. Smil's book encourages us to look beyond superficial narratives and consider the ways in which we can collectively influence the direction of our civilisation. The future is not predetermined - it is in our hands. Do you have feedback for us? We'd love it if you let us know your opinion on our content! Just send an email to feedback@rewio.app with the title of this book in the subject line and share your impressions!