ABSTRACT
Thermoeconomics usually refers to applying thermodynamics to engineering or socioeconomic systems with the aim of improving energy efficiency and of reducing economic cost. The concept has been used in global environmental governance because thermoeconomics at the global scale covers, not only the thermodynamic application to these systems, but also the material circulation aspects of ecosystem services including mineral resources that maintain sustainable development. Available energy is irrevocably transformed into unavailable energy: after burning oil, it is impossible to recover the dissipated energy. Energy efficiency is an important consideration for thermodynamic systems, but improving energy efficiency does not necessarily lead to a reduction in the total amount of energy carriers used for socioeconomic systems. The current bandwagon of circular economy supported by the United Nations and the European Union misunderstands and overlooks the role of natural processes and the biosphere in recycling materials used by the economy.
