Technology: Biggest Threat to Our Environment? - Essay Sample

Introduction

Arguably, technology is the greatest threat to today's environment. Despite having various advantages to human existence, technology negatively affects the entire environment, and therefore, we should look for mitigation measures to reduce or eradicate the threats. It has immensely affected our economy, politics, medical sector, and culture. For example, technology helps people to develop self-driving vehicles which do not require drivers or operators. Self-driving vehicles realized through the development of modern technology saves overall expenses of individuals because of reduced demand for the human labor force. Technology also increases the security of money resources because it makes it difficult for one to steal funds since most payments are made through the face. It cuts the cost of power because technology has led to the development of hot solar cells which is economical compared to ordinary electricity.

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According to Carrie, technology is a queer thing since it brings great gifts to people while on the other hand, it stabs him or her in the back. The side effects of technology in today's environment is alarming because it increases the rate of potential hazards. It has led to the social disconnect among people which makes them develop depression and eventually mental illness. Digital technology further leads to the development of lethal and poisonous weapons. Ideally, technology helps people to combine numerous chemicals to make atomic bombs which after causes a threat to the environment after they are released. Toxic gases perhaps lead to acid rain thus causing water pollution which enters into the food chain. The gases also lead to air pollution consequently making the environment to experience global warming. Omar opines that uncontrolled development of technology causes more harm than good to the environment. It provides people with power, but it does not prescribe how it should be used. People can communicate across the world using modern technology hence causing social depersonalization. Contemporary society is slowly being occupied by digital machines that replace human beings. These digital machines do consume a lot of energy which leads to an increase in its production. Production of energy used by modern technology is coupled with the production of waste that is released to the environment. Moreover, technological advancement has contributed to the depletion of natural resources which negatively affect today's environment. Technology is believed to increase industrial activities that pollute the environment in various ways. For example, industrial activities lead to excess emission of waste products such as smoke and poisonous gases into the environment.

Mitigation measures should be put in place to counter the harmful effects of technology that threaten today's environment. Human beings should contain the adverse effects of technology. For example, the industrial activities that increase environmental pollution should be reduced. Industries should be compelled to use renewable sources of energy that do not pollute the environment. Technology should be developed in a way that protects the environment from pollution. The environmental impact assessment should be conducted to ensure the development and implementation of technology does not cause harmful effects on the environment. Another solution to technology threat to the environment is to enact laws that control the development of technology. Ideally, the regulations will prevent the existence of technology that exhibits adverse effects to the environment thus reducing the environmental pollution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, technology may positively and negatively affect the environment. Technology offers methods of conserving the environment despite its negative impacts. It can be opined that there are more advantages of technology to the environment than its demerits. Controlled technological development prevents environmental pollution.