Michio Kaku, theoretical physicist and author of Hyperspace, talks about the different types of civilizations. He mentions that we’re not even on the scale with regards to the different types, since we have not yet harnessed the entire energy of our planet.

He also states that we’re in the most crucial part of human history, since we are currently making the transition between a Type 0 and Type 1 civilization, which is the hardest transition for a civilization. He claims that within about 100 years, we’ll be able to make this transition, and thus control the Earth.

I tend to disagree with this — I believe that it’s going to take us a bit longer, perhaps 500 to 1000 years before we attain Type 1 status. We just have too many problems with nuclear proliferation, poverty, and worldwide unity.