This book helps to understand the importance of thermodynamics for the economy, environment, and society. It advocates for the integration of the first two laws of thermodynamics into textbook economics. Systemic similarities in thermodynamics and in the theory of economic growth lead to the use of similar mathematical methods, allowing for a realistic description of industrial economies. Based on this, the authors propose tools to address social and environmental issues. The book is aimed at anyone interested in interdisciplinary research on the development problems of the economy and society, and who wants to understand what drives their upheavals. The authors of the book have long been engaged with these development issues: theoretical physicist Reiner Kümmel from the University of Würzburg.