Equilibrium

Abstract

China’s race for economic growth has ridden roughshod over mere mortal concerns for its most precious land, air and water resources. These resources have been recklessly despoiled in pursuit of an industrial revolution that has been accomplished in about a third of the time it took for Europe and the USA. The consequences are plain, painful and alarming: the widespread scarring and very evident deforestation and desiccation of the land, and contamination and pollution of the air and water speak much more eloquently than any statistics of the devastating ravages by man of nature in China. The dry river beds, the creeping desert rims, the palpable particulate in the air, ‘blue sky’ about as frequent as ‘blue moon’ are all stark reminders and warnings that these primary resources are probably finite and not naturally renewable.

Two bodies cannot be in equilibrium with another unless they are also in equilibrium with each other.

(Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics)