The world is experiencing fast-paced transformations, brought about by technological advancements that have significant effects on humanity. These effects, referred to as indicators, demonstrate the results of technological progress. Indicators related to climate, economy, society, and energy are essential in showcasing how humans utilize technoscience. Moreover, they emphasize the need for specific political and economic reforms that empower technoscientists to use their expertise for the greater good.
The misuse of technoscience by humanity is evident in its impact on global temperature. The burning of fossil fuels and the release of nitrous oxides into the atmosphere directly cause an increase in temperature. According to Brown (16), there was a 1% expansion in the production of coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear power in 1995. Additionally, the warmest years in the past 130 years have all occurred during the eighties and nineties (Brown, 15), indicating a lack of effective control and limitation on fossil fuel usage. As a result, acid rain is damaging remaining forests worldwide, and approximately 37% of fish species in North American lakes and streams are either endangered or extinct.
Another sign of humanity’s misuse of technoscience is apparent in the global economy. This can be observed through global economic statistics, which demonstrate the effects of technoscientific applications. As per Brown (74), the world economy witnessed substantial growth in 1995, with an estimated increase of 3.7 percent, the highest since 1980 when it had expanded by 4.6 percent. This growth can be credited to the utilization of technoscientific advancements across different sectors, leading to increased global production of goods and services.
While the expansion had impressive benefits in terms of employment and development, it also placed unsustainable demands on the earth’s natural systems and resources, particularly its forests. Technological and scientific advancements have highlighted the necessity for wood. Unfortunately, the forests that used to cover over 40% of the planet’s land surface now only occupy 27% (Brown, 19). Consequently, soil erosion occurs and the ability of soils and vegetation to retain water diminishes.
Humanity’s misuse of technoscience is evident in social indicators. According to Sachs (88), the population increased by 87 million in 1995. Most of these people were added to countries that were already grappling with the consequences of technoscience, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and dwindling aquifers. As a result, these countries’ issues were only exacerbated by the additional population.
The population is growing at a slower pace in certain countries due to unfavorable factors. In Russia, the country’s economic decline and environmental contamination have led to higher mortality rates, while a lack of optimism about the future has resulted in lower birth rates (Brown, 19). Although births still outnumber deaths in Zimbabwe, the margin has significantly reduced compared to previous years due to the increasing number of AIDS-related fatalities. To address these issues, implementing effective population control measures and combating the AIDS epidemic can be facilitated through the advantageous use of technoscience.
Energy related indicators demonstrate the positive impacts of technoscientific advancements. In 1995, the production of coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear power increased by 1 percent each. On the other hand, wind electric generation witnessed a significant growth of 33 percent, while sales of solar cells experienced a 17 percent increase (Brown, 5658). Unlike fossil fuels and nuclear power, wind and solar energy extraction does not result in harmful environmental byproducts. Incorporating renewable energy sources in human activities can contribute to the reduction of environmental issues. To ensure that their advancements do not harm humanity, technoscientists can adopt Charles E. Lindblom’s approach of integrating public policies to thoroughly explore their developments.
However, the majority of companies provide attractive incentives, such as bonuses and stock options, to motivate executives to actively pursue corporate profitability (Woodhouse, 173). Consequently, this leads to a hasty and unproven decision-making process that results in rapid innovation of products and production methods, bringing immediate benefits for buyers and sellers, but potentially causing long-term negative impacts on humanity, the environment, or the world.
It is crucial for political procedures to carefully and deliberately progress in terms of technological advancements. The objective is to guarantee that the advantages of these developments surpass any drawbacks they may entail. Leaders with differing opinions should collaborate to examine these advancements, taking into account each other’s viewpoints. The initial policies should be gradually adapted and designed in a manner that can be reversed based on feedback regarding errors, interpretations, and evolving comprehension of needs and opportunities (Morone, 168). Ultimately, this approach will contribute to enhancing humanity as a whole.
Increasing the involvement of ordinary individuals in technological decision-making could have a greater humanitarian impact and benefit society economically. However, implementing technological advancements requires government and corporate acceptance or funding, even if they are proven to be beneficial. Unfortunately, the decision-makers responsible for investing in these developments may not truly represent society at large and may prioritize financial gain over global well-being. This situation can have psychological ramifications for technoscientists as they strive to improve the world; they may become cautious and skeptical about sharing and promoting their ideas. Moreover, there is a possibility that the allure of money could overshadow technoscientists’ fundamental principle of improving the world.
Society should play a more significant role in decision-making processes, considering that those directly impacted by technological advancements may not readily accept or reject them based on economic factors. Technoscientists should prioritize enhancing the well-being of those affected by their innovations. To reap the benefits of technoscience, humanity must utilize it properly and prudently. Present environmental, global economic, social, and energy-related indicators indicate that the planet is deteriorating due to humanity’s overall misapplication of technoscience. Political and economic changes related to technoscientific progress must be implemented. Without such changes, the global quality of life will decline as rapidly as technological advancements are currently occurring.
Bibliography
1. Brown, Lester R., Vital Signs, c.1996, Worldwatch Institute.
2. Sachs, Aaron, “Population Slightly Down”, Vital Sig Institute.
3. Morone, Joseph G., “Why the Demise of Nuclear Energy?”, c.1989, Yale University.
4. Woodhouse, Edward J., “Decision Theory and the Governance of Technology”, 1987ns, c.1996, Worldwatch
