The #Kardashev scale is a theoretical system proposed by Soviet astrophysicist Nikolai Kardashev in 1964 to classify civilizations based on their energy consumption and control over energy.

The scale identifies three main types of cultures:

### 1. **Type I Civilization** (Planetary Civilization)
This civilization is able to use and store all the energy available on its planet, including renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, etc. In Type I, a civilization has complete control over its planet's natural resources and energy processes.

### 2. **Type II Civilization** (Stellar Civilization)
At this level, a civilization is able to collect and use all the energy produced by its system's star (eg, the Sun). A famous hypothesis for how this might be done is the construction of a **Dyson sphere**, a theoretical structure that surrounds a star and collects its radiation.

### 3. **Type III Civilization** (Galactic Civilization)
This civilization can control and use energy on a galactic level, harnessing not only the stars but also other energy sources within the galaxy, such as black holes. A civilization of this level would have vast technological capabilities and could colonize or influence much of the galaxy.

### Additional ideas:
Although the original scale included only three types, theorists have expanded the scale with higher levels:
- **Type IV**: A civilization that can harness the energy of an entire cosmic swarm.
- **Type V**: Civilization that can control energy in multiple universes (multiverse).

### The Place of Humanity:
Today, humanity is at about 0.72 on the Kardashev scale, far from Type I. It is estimated that it will take us centuries or even millennia to reach Type I if we manage to use all available planetary energy sources efficiently.