Entropy#Entropy balance equation for open systems
The entropy of a thermodynamic system is determined by the entropy produced in the system plus the imported and exported minus the entropy. The values are calculated based on the same period of time. Entropievernichtung is not possible in a system due to the second law of thermodynamics. The entropy can therefore be reduced only by exporting to the environment.
It uses the Entropiebilanzgleichung to describe thermodynamic non-equilibrium processes, for example in the framework of irreversible thermodynamics and for living beings. These can also reduce their entropy only by entropy export in their environment.
Entropy of the biosphere
An important issue for people system including living organisms, the biosphere. Their entropy is determined by the entropy generated within the biosphere and the capabilities of their interfaces to export entropy to space. She is represented essentially as an import of short-wave solar energy that is reflected back again for the most part long wavy into space. If the entropy produced in the biosphere is greater than can be exported by changing interfaces, then the entropy increases in the biosphere.
Even if the system under consideration contains intelligent life, its entropy can not be reduced by the actions and innovations contained in the system intelligent beings, but only through export.