A Review of the Manifestations and Coping Strategies of Energy Degradation in Daily Life Based on the Second Law of Thermodynamics

Ber-Lin Zhou, Yan-Zuo Chang, Zi-Feng Dai, Tian-Lin Zhang, Ming-Shen Huang, Hai-yu Liu, Jia-xu Lin

Daily life, Entropy increase principle, Second law of thermodynamics, Energy degradation, Energy-saving strategies

This study takes the second law of thermodynamics as its theoretical foundation to deeply analyze the specific manifestations of energy degradation in daily life and systematically explore coping strategies. By combining literature review with theoretical analysis, we investigate the mechanisms of energy degradation in fields such as household appliances, transportation, energy conversion, and ecosystems. The research reveals that energy degradation is ubiquitous in all aspects of daily life; its essence is the irreversible transformation process of energy revealed by the second law of thermodynamics. This phenomenon not only leads to reduced energy utilization efficiency but is also closely related to energy waste and environmental thermal pollution. To delay energy degradation, comprehensive strategies are proposed at three levels: technological, behavioral, and systemic. These strategies aim to improve energy utilization efficiency and contribute to achieving the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. This study holds significant importance for deepening public understanding of the laws of energy degradation and promoting the popularization of scientific energy-saving concepts.

Received: 30 Apr 2026, Received in revised form: 25 May 2026, Accepted: 01 Jun 2026, Available online: 08 Jun 2026

10.22161/ijaers.136.2