Type 0 Civilization
What is "The type 0 civilization "?
Last time you learnt about the Kardashev scale and how it categorizes civilizations in terms of their energy use. Today we are discussing an in depth look at a type 0 civilization and some of the things they can accomplish.
A type 0 civilization was initially not included on the Kardashev scale. It was later added as the scale was extended by other astronomers. Using Carl Segan’s formula, a type 0 civilization would control about 1MW of power. But since the Kardashev scale is continuous, we have many civilization subtypes between type 0 and type 1. This means type 0 civilization would include anything from primitive life forms to modern humans of today.
Type 0.1
So, starting at the very beginning, a civilization that would use sticks and other basic tools scavenge and hunt for food on a daily basis would be somewhere at type 0.1. The concept of clothing would not have developed at this stage. Individuals in this civilization would be in constant danger of getting attacked and killed by other animals such as lions or tigers. They would have to rely only on their physical strength and muscle power to do pretty much everything.
Type 0.2
But a civilization that can make stone tools and form other hunter gatherer societies would b classified as a type 0.2. This type of civilization would have gained control over fire being able to better protect themselves. Clothing would also have developed at this stage. However, they would still be far behind a type 0.3.
Type 0.3
Now, a civilization capable of creating livable structures and using other animals for food and transportation would be about type 0.3. Political hierarchies and division of labor would be some of its defining qualities. As advanced as this civilization may seem, they would still be stuck in the stone ages.
Type 0.4
But when a civilization harnesses the power of metal ad better fuels, such as coal or oil, it would ascend to a type 0.4 on the scale. This is also the stage where early scientific discoveries would take place along with mass production of grain and other goods. Exploration of the world’s ocean would also take place at this civilization level.
Type 0.5
Moving ahead, a type 0.5 civilization would have mastered flight and would be capable of mass-producing land vehicles for all its inhabitants. Computers and other technologies would begin to develop at this stage as well.But this civilization would not have explored its planet’s natural satellites yet.
Type 0.6
Assuming that the planet has any satellites, to begin with. Only a type 0.6 civilization would be capable of exploring the moons of its home planet and be able to send artificial satellites in orbit. It would have a vastly superior computer power as well. Moreover nuclear power plants would also have been developed by this stage.
Type 0.7
A more advanced type 0.7 civilization is approximately where we humans are today. This civilization would be looking to explore nearby planets in the solar system as well as developing methods to replace nuclear fission by more environmentally friendly natural resources. The internet would also have become common allowing global communication within seconds.
So, this is the stage we currently are today. But this is not the end of the sub-type civilizations. As a civilization becomes more technologically advanced, it will start to manipulate genetic codes, develop quantum computers, and more. And once it starts to take control globally, it would reaching a type 1 civilization. But that is a topic for another time.
Until then we’ll see you in next one.
