Modern Science: Technology and the World

Science and technology are two things in today's world that, if used effectively, these can help shape the world in a positive way. In order to do this, science and technology should be combined with a global sensitivity. There are many problems still left unsolved all over the globe, and almost each one can be prevented or fixed with our evolving science and technology. Our technology is progressing rapidly; take for instance the first computer. In 1837, the mechanical computer (known as the Analytical Engine) was immense, compared to today's microchip size technology. Many of these solutions are known but it just takes the spread of knowledge and determination to bring the plan out.

On the surface of the subject, it will seem that science and technology only helps high income countries, and exploits low income countries. This is true to some extent if we continue to only modernize specific parts and not help the human race as a whole. The huge problem of starvation and unequal shows my point. Low income countries are plagued with hunger, while we have an excess. We are not wrong for our excess food supply, but only wrong if we do not help others obtain this abundance with modern technology. Many people in today's society, especially ours, are very ignorant to the rest of the world and humanity in general. There is enough food in this world to go around; we just need the determination in order to achieve the goals that we all want. The solution that is provided by science is the known as the Green Revolution, which shows the way to end hunger. The Green Revolution was coined by the U.S. Agency for International Development and was the movement that would increase crop yield by using five main techniques including; New crop cultivars, irrigation, fertilizers, pesticides, and mechanization. The Green Revolution did not fulfill what it was said to do, and also caused environmental problems. Sometimes our technology and science does not show promise, but with the information that we have now, we may try again in a different approach. We need determination in order to carry this plan out.

Technology that deals with communication can reach globally and give food product information. Along with food, poverty and unequal wealth distribution is a main issue. Science and technology have shown us that this problem is occurring, and showing exactly why. We see who has the money, and who does not. This can help with India, for example, who's 35% of the population lives on less than one dollar a day and 80% live on less than 2 dollars. Some could blame the problem in India on the caste system, which offers no mobility. This holds the poor back and ensures poverty. We grow economically and socially by changing ways to sustain better living, and if one way does not work, and then we change our ways to make it work, with the help of science and technology. If caste systems are in effect, there is no way to have an equal wealth distribution and food distribution.

One the other hand of extreme poverty and starvation, science and technology can help with areas such as sustainable agriculture, or how we can meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Science and technology helps to maintain the number one industry in America, with is agriculture. There are three aspects that will help sharpen and grow our technology when it comes to agriculture, which include Environmental (protect the environment), Economic (profitable), and Social. Science shows the negative things we do to the environment and shows that we need to change our way. Water, energy, air, and soil needs to be preserved and treated with respect. Technology helps make agriculture profitable by information on location, soil type, crop history and characteristics. This will help already stable societies maintain their food supply.

Another great example how science and technology helps us strive for a better global system is the Blue Revolution and what information it showed us. It showed us the growing population of the world, food production and the scope of this problem. Science shows that there is no more fresh water available and the increasing demand compared to the rate of renewal. There is a greater demand from industrial development, urbanization and a rise in the standard of living. These are all problems, most importantly the lack of equal water distribution and the amount of water we use. For example, we now predict that by 2025, it is estimated that the population of the world will use 70% of the fresh water on the Earth. There are many other ways technology can predict the consequences of our habits including water and how it affects health. Water is not polluted; it is what is contained in that water that can influence someone's health. Disease is spread through contaminated water. Science and technology not only shows us the problems, but what the solution can be. These two areas are evolving, and right now could be preventing a sustainable global society, but in time and with effort, I believe it can allow the achievement of a sustainable global society. It all comes down to not being ignorant of the world around us and to think of mankind as a whole.

SOURCES:

 Rosset, Peter. "Lessons from the Green Revolution." www.foodfirst.org. 10 Dec.
2006 .