Geographers have always been interested in technology.
Many geographers will argue that Geography is about the relationship between people and their environments. Technology sits in the middle right between people and their environments. Arguably, it is the biggest single factor to affect the People-Environment relationship.
Many geographers will argue that Geography is about the relationship between people and their environments. Technology sits in the middle right between people and their environments. Arguably, it is the biggest single factor to affect the People-Environment relationship.
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Technology gives us the power to control nature and so alters our relationship with the environment. Our understanding of technology is critical to the way we respect people and our planet.
Earthquakes, floods and typhoons all remind us that our environment can be a threat to human survival. Technological solutions to these challenges have widespread appeal. |
Technology is the ability to control nature |
However, many of our greatest environmental problems, such as air pollution, are caused by technology, so it might seem counterintuitive that technology might also be seen as the solution to the Earth's problems.
Is technology good for the environment?
Not all geographers are convinced by a technocentric approach to solving major problems such as global warming and deforestation. In contrast, some are advocating an attitudinal fix instead of a tech fix. The table below provides a very simple summary of the discussions that geographers have had about technology and the environment.
Is technology good for the environment?
Not all geographers are convinced by a technocentric approach to solving major problems such as global warming and deforestation. In contrast, some are advocating an attitudinal fix instead of a tech fix. The table below provides a very simple summary of the discussions that geographers have had about technology and the environment.
Technological Fix |
Attitudinal Fix |
The Cornucopian view is that advances in technology will alway meet the needs of people. Ecosystems can be changed to meet human needs. |
Environmental problems require a change in attitude. Humans are expected to adapt to ecosystems. Sustainability is about changing hearts and minds. |
For example: From a technocentric viewpoint, air pollution caused by cars can be solved by advances in engine technology. Low emission vehicles and electric cars offer a solution that keeps people in their cars. |
For example: The problem of air pollution is best fixed by changing peoples attitudes and lifestyles. Getting people out of their cars and walking to work is better for the environment and encourages people to get more exercise. |
The tech fix suits big business. Greener technology can be marketed to people who feel that consuming more resources is helping the environment. |
The attitudinal fix is ultimately about consuming less and reducing human demands on the Earth's resources. Technology stops us leading authentic, simpler, lives. |
Of course, the split between a tech fix and an attitudinal fix is a lot more complicated than the table above implies. For example, some problems require both approaches as complimentary solutions. Many will argue that it all depends on the type of technology being used to fix the problem.
Types of Technology
Technology is an expression of human ingenuity that offer us the means to control nature. We can put technology into different categories according to the ways it alters our relationship with the environment.
- Geoengineering: geoengineering is a large-scale technological intervention in the Earth’s natural environment. This mega-tech approach is often associated with climate change. Examples include space reflectors that partially block sunlight.
- High-tech mega projects: these projects require huge amounts of capital investment. Typically they are the result of top-down government initiatives. Examples include mega dams and nuclear power installations.
- Green technology: also known as environmental technology. Green technology is often the product of considerable research and development. By investing in human ingenuity, the expectation is to create new technologies that are more sustainable, such as advances in LED lighting. Green tech often incorporates hi-tech solutions such as advances in nanotechnology.
- Appropriate technology: appropriate technology (also known as intermediate technology) is characterised as being small-scale cheap technology. Used extensively in developing nations, it offers a level of technology that is appropriate to both the needs and the skills of ordinary people.
Environmentalist who are attracted to an attitudinal fix, might also be advocates of appropriate technology. It is not enough to say that the attitudinal fixers are against technology - sometimes it depends on the type of technology being implemented.
Environmental perspectives
Environmental perspectives have a large influence over how technology is employed. To claim that there are fifty shades of green might not be an exaggeration. From ecofeminism to green anarchism, it seems every group in society wants a slice of the green agenda.
Below I have identified some of the main strands in the environmental movement. All claim to be equally serious in their quest to help save the planet. Don't take the diagram too seriously - the position of the text is debatable and there is plenty of overlap between environmental ideologies. Just get the idea that there are lots of different green flavours to enjoy.
Below I have identified some of the main strands in the environmental movement. All claim to be equally serious in their quest to help save the planet. Don't take the diagram too seriously - the position of the text is debatable and there is plenty of overlap between environmental ideologies. Just get the idea that there are lots of different green flavours to enjoy.
Environmental Perspectives, from deep green to lite green
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The deep greens want to change large chunks of the capitalist system and have a distrust of many technologies. This dark green brand of environmentalism is associated with population control and many deep greens have strong Malthusian tendencies.
Consumerism is regarded as bad for the environment because it is associated with overconsumption, waste, resource depletion and pollution. Green consumerism is regarded as a myth that only supports capitalist consumerism. Reducing, reusing and repairing are seen as essential activities. In contrast, recycling is seen as a point of failure or of last resort. Deep ecologists seek to maintain ecosystems and keep them free from human interference. They advocate having more wilderness regions, such as Antartica and recommend we live simpler lives. |
The light greens regard saving the environment as a lifestyle choice. Recycling paper, metal cans and bottles is of paramount concern.
The bright greens are driven by a belief that better design and greener technology will bring prosperity and sustainable living. Leading edge technology, such as nanotechnology, as well as low-tech solutions will eventually enable eco-footprints to shrink. Green consumerism suggests that we can shop our way to a greener world. Again, this is about a lifestyle choice and greenies at this end of the green spectrum can be seen buying environmentally friendly goods such green washing powder. It is also fashionable to buy household goods made from recycled materials. The lite greens are hardly green at all and are accused of green-washing to cover their lack of genuine concern for the environment. |
Have your say ...
If you have something to say about the issues raised here about technology and the environment, please use the comments box below.
