The Kardashev scale is used by scientists to measure the advancement of our civilization, and would be used to measure alien civilizations should we find them.

The three types are

Type 1

This civilization has complete control of it's own planet, and is able to harness nature for it's energy needs. It would also have a global culture, language, and government.

Type 2

The second civilization has already exausted its planet's energy and has moved on to taking energy from its mother star. This civilization has spread beyond it's solar system and can explore nearby stars. At this point it is basically impossible to destroy this society as it has spread through its local cluster of stars. This means that even if it's home star dies, they can just pack up and move to another star.

Type 3

Type 3 civilizations have reached a point where they harness billions of stars for energy and have basically completly explored the galaxy, and possibly have begun inter-galactic exploration. This civilization could have colonized trillions upon trillions of planets and may even control other civilizations within the galaxy.

So where does humanity stand on this scale? Well, we don't. We are considered to be a Type 0 civilization, because we have not yet mastered our planet, and still get our energy from fossil fuels. Many predict that humanity could reach Type 1 status within the next hundred years, but it's not certain.

So, do you think we'll make it to Type 1, or will we see the end of humanity in the next century?