Ever since Rachel Carson's Silent Spring we have been awoken to the possibility that our impacts on the environment may be harmful and not sustainable. With the world's population growing and a greater demand on natural resources, what have been some of our impacts?
- Pollution
- Deforestation
- Loss of biodiversity - More endangered species
- Global Warming
We have proven, as a world culture, that we can take a more environmentally friendly route and work towards a more sustainable society:
- Reduction in ozone destroying pollution
- Reduction in the use of harmful pesticides
- Reforestation
Where do we go from here?
What technology will we develop in the future?
How sustainable will those technology options be?
Some of our choices:
- Wind vs Coal vs Solar vs Nuclear vs Natural gas
- Hybrid vs Diesel vs Gas vs Electric vs Hydrogen cars
- Paper vs Plastic
- CFLs vs LEDs
- Biodiesel vs Diesel/Gas
- Vampire Loads
- McMansion vs not
- Commercial vs Organic fertilizer
- Construction materials: Concrete vs Wood vs Metal vs Plastic
- Gas-powered vs electric appliances
Thanks for starting this blog Richard.
ReplyDeleteI thought of your blog on Tuesday when a Legacy Leader in Howard County, Gary, said to me: "What do you think about using nuclear power for our increasing energy needs. It's cheap."
I responded "Only if you don't include the cost of nuclear waste remediation. We still have nuclear waste in temporary storage since 1944."
Then Gary responded "True. But can't we make that waste non-radioactive?"
That is when I take a deep breath and explain the nature of radionucleides. Gary was surprised that there was nothing we could do to change the half-life of radionucleides. I explained to Gary that many people would like science to be like magic -- make things disappear. Hence, the need for science education to the general public.
By the way, Gary has a masters in psychology so he is not an uneducated man...Shouldn't everyone with even a high school degree be able to understand the difference between science and magic?
Sabrina,
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point. Each technology has its own set of environmental issues to overcome. While science and engineering can help explain and mitigate those issues, they cannot changes the laws of nature. For all technology decisions we need to ensure that we take a full systematic look at all of the implications.
What does it take to implement a technology?
What does it take to run a technology?
What does it take to dispose of a technology?
Key phrase: LIFE CYCLE
The other item we need to keep in mind: no technology has zero impact and we as parts of the ecosystems will have some impact. Our goal should be to minimize our impacts and work to most efficiently use technology.
Hi Rich,
ReplyDeleteAny suggestions on low impact technologies?
Most people jump on new technologies thinking that they will provide incredible solutions. And they have, but all at a cost. For example, we have some great medicines now that help us live longer, healthier lives. Most people do not think there is any impact to our medical technologies....
Hi Rich,
ReplyDeleteI noticed that quite a few people have been very excited about the possibilities of nanotechnology. Can you explain the basics of nanotechnology and the possible implications of its use?