I seem to remember
Michio Kaku mentioning in a
book or media spot, that another important factor in reaching Type I is that we also have to overcome our
differences and
superstitions.
Reaching Type I is the most difficult step in the advancement of a civilization since we have to reach that milestone without blowing ourselves up. Supposedly after this milestone, this threat is nonexistant.
Of course we still have racisim, war, and religious extremists, so we are still far from accomplishing the requirements of a Type I civilization.