  The thermodynamic approach shows that the total energy produced by humanity
disrupts the thermal balance of the planet and causes counteraction, that is,
climate change, which can slow down the progress of civilization. This outcome
not only confirms the consensus on the role of humanity in climate change, but
also quantifies it. The calculation of the average temperature of the Earth is
based on its energy balance and includes the application of the
Stefan-Boltzmann equation. The confusion in the use of the equation was
discovered and clarified; the boundaries of application of the Law was
outlined. The application of the Stefan-Boltzmann equation shows that the
energy produced by humanity is responsible for about half of the magnitude of
global warming. This result should have a strong impact on environmental
decision-making
