Life, hierarchy, and the thermodynamic machinery of planet Earth

► Demonstration of non-equilibrium thermodynamics and its relation to power generation, disequilibrium, and entropy production with simple models. ► Maximum power principle applied to Earth system processes. ► Development of a theory describing a planetary hierarchy of power transfer. ► Quantification of power generation by different Earth system processes. ► Biotic activity generates about two orders of magnitude more chemical free energy to the Earth system than abiotic processes. ► Human activity is a considerable term in the global work budget which has important implications for how to address global change.