Science and Technology in the Philippines and the Environment

Contributions of Science and Technology to Society.

Agriculture. The mechanization of farming, for instance, is necessary for agriculture,

being the number one source of food production. Agricultural development needs to cope with
the rapidly and exponentially growing population. Tools such as water pumps and sprinklers help
in managing the damaging effects of extreme heat caused by climate change on crops. Science
and technology have also made it possible to produce genetically modified crops, which grows
faster and are more resistant to pests. Fertilizers that increase nutrients in the soil enhance the
growth of the crops and produce high-quality yields. However, many researchers show that
genetically modified crops and fertilizers made from the strong chemicals are not environmentally
friendly.

Transportation. Science and technology has also improved transportation by land, air
and sea. Ferrying of goods now can be done easily from one place to another. Thus, making
agricultural products more accessible. Transport needs in the coming years will be growing.
Strong emphasis will have to be placed on servicing new patterns of trade and on meeting the
requirements of increased activities in agriculture. Expenditures for transport will be large.

Communication. The area of communication has also improved through scientific

technological advancements. With the internet and the rise of social media, information is
transmitted easily and rapidly. Technology speeds up communication between
people. Technology provides convenience to use more than one method of communication. Now
people can use email, social media, chat messengers, video conferencing, video calls, images,
videos, symbols, diagrams, charts, and emoticons, etc. for communication.

Education. Through technological developments, ways of learning also changed.

Learning management systems used in education are now accessible through computers, mobile
phones, tablets and other gadgets. Online learning has also become popular in various disciplines
like mathematics, physics, biology, geography, economics and others.

Health. Scientific research has already helped to improve treatment for numerous
illnesses and serious health conditions. Trials for medications and methods of treatment have
improved the care of many patients and helped to make their recovery less distressing and painful.
Science and Technology have undoubtedly saved millions of lives and benefitted several areas
of patient care and this look set to continue in the future.
Effects of Science and Technology to the Environment

Positive Impact

The introduction of computer systems into

both the home and work environments has
eradicated the need to have reams of paper files;
in the near future these simple changes will have
a considerable impact on the environment and
help to preserve the forests. Recycling technology will also help to eliminate waste. While
technology is blamed for much of the pollution that contributes to global warming, it may also
provide the solution to the problem. Research into new methods of generating power and
electricity is abundant, experts hope to find cleaner, renewable source of energy to replace the
finite supply of fossil fuels and reduce global warming and climate change. New methods such as
wind turbines, solar power and hydro-electric power are under scrutiny and are constantly subject
to trails to improve the efficiency of existing systems.

Negative Impacts

This contributions of science and technology, however, always come with adverse impacts
especially on the environment. One is resource depletion. The increasing number of new and
advanced technologies in the production and manufacture of different goods and service results
in the depletion of the Earth’s natural resources. Wastes are also generated as these technologies
are developed. People have also become too dependent on science and technology, making
them disregard its consequences that may be damaging to the environment.

Electronic devices are built using some of the most common resources available in our
planet, such as sand and some of the rarest, like gold. In addition, extremely dangerous and
harmful chemicals such as lead and mercury are used in the process. These materials need to
be extracted from our planets ground, not always following the most ecological or environment
respectful methods, especially on the poorest countries that do not have access to affordable and
efficient mining and processing equipment and most importantly the knowledge and awareness
for topics related to environmental protection. In these places, extremely dangerous chemicals
are used, such as mercury in order to extract some materials. Those end up by being dumped
into the ground without any treatment or concern to environment or even the areas where people
live.