Is the Use of Technology the Key to Saving the Earth?

Over the last few centuries, the technology of civilized man has grown and advanced by leaps and bounds. For example, electricity is a relatively recent advancement; a few hundred years ago, people would have had to rely on oil lamps to provide light. However, with the improvement and increased sophistication of technology, there has been a concomitant diminishing of our earth's health; pollution has increased more than ever, and the earth is dying at a faster pace than before. Our technology may be superior, but it is not the most important factor in saving the earth.

To mankind's credit, there have been many attempts to salvage the situation of the planet's well-being. Pollution is the main problem that is being tackled. With industrialization- a product of technology- becomes the corollary of a great rise in pollution, be it caused by smog from factories or the discharge of effluence into water bodies. Global warming is also increasing as a result of deforestation being carried out to pave the way for urban areas. Technology has helped to alleviate pollution, in that new methods of manufacturing and processing raw materials have been developed so that industries cause less pollution. An example would be the installation of filters in chimney stacks that prevent harmful pollutants from escaping into the atmosphere. The exhaust from vehicles contributes much to air pollution; efforts by technology to reduce the harmful effects include the use of the carburetor in engines and the recent development of hydrogen-powered cars. These measures are cleaner and more environmentally friendly.

The depletion of natural resources is another concern. The earth's supply of fossil fuels - such as coal - is fast diminishing due to increased industrial activity. Technology is seeking out alternative sources of energy to satisfy the voracious demands of today's hi-tech world. It is a great irony that our weapon and enemy in this battle to save the earth is the same thing. Alternative fuels may come from solar, hydroelectric or nuclear power. These power sources are cleaner, and at the same time help to ease the strain on coal supply. The Three Gorges Dam Project in China is part of the effort to find more energy sources; it involves harnessing the Yangtze River to produce hydroelectric power.

Locally, the government has also recognized the problem of water conservation in Singapore. Hence, to satisfy increasing demand, Newater was born; it is a milestone in using the sophisticated technology of reverse osmosis to produce water for our consumption.

However, all these measures to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources are not enough; technology is still barely keeping pace with the evils of industrialization and urbanization. Deforestation is being carried out almost wantonly, destroying the rainforests and having major environmental consequences. Large tracts of land are also destroyed due to extensive