It's not zero sum within the earth system. Trees don't pay for energy.

neonological · on March 5, 2021

It is zero sum within the earth system because the energy is limited.

Trees compete for light. The taller trees win, the shorter trees are deprived of sunlight and therefore are the losers.

chrischattin · on March 5, 2021

And this is a good thing. It’s why simple organisms evolved. It’s why trees even exist in the first place.

neonological · on March 5, 2021

Agreed. The Zero Sum game is critical for evolution. Competition for limited resources is the very reason why complex organisms exist.

Any economic model of society that doesn't involve the zero sum nature of reality is highly highly inaccurate.