Friday, March 6, 2009

We as humans are inextricably linked to our environment. Also as humans we have demonstrated that we can have a greater impact on the planet than any other species. Our technological innovations have made our lives easier - enabled us to foster individual travel, international trade, and pursue hobbies.
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?

  1. Pollution
  2. Deforestation
  3. Loss of biodiversity - More endangered species
  4. 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:

  1. Reduction in ozone destroying pollution
  2. Reduction in the use of harmful pesticides
  3. 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:

  1. Wind vs Coal vs Solar vs Nuclear vs Natural gas
  2. Hybrid vs Diesel vs Gas vs Electric vs Hydrogen cars
  3. Paper vs Plastic
  4. CFLs vs LEDs
  5. Biodiesel vs Diesel/Gas
  6. Vampire Loads
  7. McMansion vs not
  8. Commercial vs Organic fertilizer
  9. Construction materials: Concrete vs Wood vs Metal vs Plastic
  10. Gas-powered vs electric appliances