Complex
systems throughout Nature display structures and functions that are built and
maintained, at least in part, by optimal energies flowing through them—not
specific, ideal values, rather ranges in energy rate density below which
systems are starved and above which systems are destroyed. Cosmic evolution, as
a physical cosmology that notably includes life, is rich in empirical findings
about many varied systems that can potentially help assess global problems
facing us here on Earth. Despite its grand and ambitious objective to unify
theoretical understanding of all known complex systems from big bang to
humankind, cosmic evolution does have useful, practical applications from which
humanity could benefit. Cosmic evolution’s emphasis on quantitative data
analyses might well inform our attitudes toward several serious issues now
challenging 21
st-century society, including global warming, smart
machines, world economics, and cancer research. This paper comprises one
physicist’s conjectures about each of these applied topics, suggesting how
energy-flow modeling can guide our search for viable solutions to real-world
predicaments confronting civilization today.