Modern technologies are widely praised for their innovation and contributions to economic growth. Yet, many of these advancements have environmental drawbacks. They often harm nature and lack alignment with enduring human values. About these issues requires a look at the fundamental elements of nature and ethical principles guiding technology use.
Environmental Harm from Transportation Technologies
Surface transport vehicles like cars and aeroplanes pollute air and soil. Their components, including electric batteries, often do not biodegrade. This causes long-term waste problems. The pollution from these vehicles contributes to poor air quality and soil contamination worldwide.
Energy Generation and Its Ecological Costs
Electricity production methods, whether coal, diesel, hydropower, nuclear, solar, or wind, affect the environment negatively. Solar panels degrade after about 25 years and are not fully recyclable. Wind turbines pose risks to bird populations. Fossil fuel extraction disturbs underground geological structures and pollutes air and earth.
Industrial Pollution and Soil Degradation
Chemical industries release pollutants that harm air quality. Petroleum and petrochemical sectors contaminate soil and air. Wastewater discharge from factories pollutes rivers and seas, damaging aquatic ecosystems. Overuse of chemical fertilisers and genetically modified seeds reduces soil fertility and natural food quality.
Electromagnetic Pollution in the Ethereal Space
Microwave radiation from mobile towers and wireless devices increases electromagnetic pollution. These waves lie between radio and infrared frequencies. Their rising presence disrupts the natural balance of ether, one of the primordial elements of nature, affecting environmental health subtly but .
Technology and the Element of Fire – Climate Change
Technological activities contribute to global warming by increasing emissions. This disturbs the natural element of fire (Agni). The warming climate causes melting glaciers, extreme weather, floods, and landslides, showing the urgent need to rethink technology’s environmental impact.
Computing Technologies and Resource Exploitation
Computers, software, and artificial intelligence use rare earth metals and generate waste that is only partly recyclable. Their production and disposal processes further degrade the environment. These technologies serve economic growth but often overlook sustainability and human well-being.
Human Values and Technology Use
Ancient wisdom teaches that all humans belong to one family. Technologies should reflect values like moderation, compassion, honesty, and fairness. They must promote equitable wealth distribution and environmental care. Without these values, technology risks causing more harm than good.
Need for Sustainable and Ethical Technology
Scientists, engineers, and policymakers must prioritise technologies that protect nature and uphold human values. Ignoring these principles invites worsening climate crises and ecological damage. Sustainable innovation is essential for a healthy planet and society.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss in the light of environmental sustainability the challenges posed by current energy generation technologies and suggest alternatives.
- Critically examine the impact of electromagnetic pollution on the environment and human health with reference to modern communication systems.
- Explain the role of ancient ethical principles in guiding modern technological development and usage for inclusive growth.
- With suitable examples, discuss the effects of climate change on natural disasters and the responsibilities of global governance in mitigation and adaptation.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss in the light of environmental sustainability the challenges posed by current energy generation technologies and suggest alternatives.
- Fossil fuel-based power (coal, diesel) emits greenhouse gases causing air pollution and climate change.
- Hydropower disrupts aquatic ecosystems and alters natural water flow.
- Nuclear power poses risks of radioactive waste and potential accidents.
- Solar panels have limited lifespan (~25 years) and generate non-biodegradable waste.
- Wind turbines threaten bird populations and require rare earth metals.
- Alternatives include decentralized renewable sources (e.g., solar, wind) with improved recycling, bioenergy, and energy efficiency measures.
2. Critically examine the impact of electromagnetic pollution on the environment and human health with reference to modern communication systems.
- Microwave radiation from mobile towers and wireless devices increases electromagnetic pollution in ether (space).
- Frequencies used (300 MHz to 300 GHz) are higher than radio waves, affecting natural electromagnetic balance.
- Potential health concerns include thermal effects, possible DNA damage, and neurological impacts (though research is ongoing).
- Environmental effects include disruption to wildlife navigation and behavior.
- Lack of comprehensive long-term studies necessitates precautionary measures and stricter regulation.
- Promoting wired communication and minimizing unnecessary wireless exposure can reduce risks.
3. Explain the role of ancient ethical principles in guiding modern technological development and usage for inclusive growth.
- Ancient wisdom (Vedas, Maha Upanishad) emphasizes unity of humanity as one family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam).
- Principles like Dharma advocate righteous living, moderation, compassion, honesty, and truthfulness.
- Technologies should align with these values to promote equitable wealth distribution and environmental stewardship.
- Ethical frameworks discourage greed and exploitation in development and usage of technology.
- Inclusion of human values ensures technologies benefit all sections, encouraging social harmony and sustainability.
- Embedding these principles can guide policymakers and innovators toward responsible innovation.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the effects of climate change on natural disasters and the responsibilities of global governance in mitigation and adaptation.
- Climate change intensifies natural disasters – floods, heatwaves, landslides, melting glaciers, and storms.
- Examples – Increased flooding in coastal cities, accelerated Himalayan glacier melt causing landslides.
- Global warming disrupts ecological balance, threatening biodiversity and human livelihoods.
- Global governance must enforce emission reductions (e.g., Paris Agreement) and support climate finance for vulnerable nations.
- Coordination in disaster preparedness, technology transfer, and sustainable development is essential.
- Shared responsibility includes promoting renewable energy, conservation, and resilient infrastructure worldwide.
