Technology and the Environment

By Danish Muzaffar

To one who has seen the adverse effects of some technologies on the environment the question how does technology protect the environment? May have only one answer - it doesn't! The reality however is that from the onset science and technology has been at the forefront of ensuring the environment is safeguarded. Science is a weapon through which good or evil can be done depending on the consciences of those who are using it. There are lot of ways in which technology has been used to restore the integrity of the environment.

From reversing the damage done by the chlorofluorocarbons (c.f.c's) on the ozone layer to minimizing the harmful effects of the greenhouse gases which bring about global warming science has played a key role in safeguarding the environment. Through science machines that were discovered to be releasing c.f.c's into the atmosphere were removed from the market and in there place others were invented a case in point the refrigerators of old and modern refrigerators that are CFC free. Through scientific research it has been discovered that presence of trees and vegetation greatly decrease the amount of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide by absorbing them to use in their natural processes such as photosynthesis which has led to more environmental awareness

Advancements in the scientific process of wastage disposal have led to the discovery and adoption of new and better ways for carrying out refuse and sewerage disposal. Recycling has today become a major activity the world over which has been through the intervention of science. This has led to conservation of resources for example purifying sewerage into clean and safe drinking water and the recycling of polythene into usable plastics.

Use of simple equipment such as garbage cans for disposing litter and recycling of natural waste for instance using vegetable waste as manure may seem inconsequential but in the long term the benefits are left for all to see.

Machines that in the past used to release a lot of toxic fumes into the atmosphere like cars, manufacturing plants and factories and mining apparatus have nowadays been modified to use fuel that does not release harmful gases in the atmosphere. Through the discovery of better ways of making fuel like from use of sugar cane processing the harmful effects of polluting gases have been greatly reduced. Use of more efficient energy systems and means of disposal is how technology protects the environment. Continued scientific research and study into the environmental hazards that abound keeps on creating awareness about what is right and wrong, what should be avoided or done more all in the interest of protecting the environment.

The use of solar panels to harness the sun's energy, application of thermal and wind energy has provided the necessary incentive and alternative to the over use of oil and petroleum as the primary source of fuel which has led to better use of natural resources and the reduction of air pollution from toxic fumes. From these few elaborate examples its clear how science and technology is protecting the environment.

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