This extract is taken from the book “A Treatise on Science Technology and Society” by Dr. M. R. Sharma.

Most modern technological processes produce unwanted byproducts in addition to the desired products, which is known as industrial wastes and pollution. While most material waste is re-used in the industrial process, many forms are released into the environment, with negative environmental side effects, such as pollution and lack of sustainability. Different social and political systems establish different balances between the values they place on additional goods versus the disvalues of waste products and pollution. Some technologies are designed specifically with the environment in mind, but most are designed first for economic or ergonomic effects. Historically, the value of a clean environment and more efficient productive processes has been the result of an increase in the wealth of society, because once people are able to provide for their basic needs, they are able to focus on less-tangible goods such as clean air and water. The effects of technology on the environment are both obvious and subtle. The more obvious effects include the depletion of nonrenewable natural resources (such as petroleum, coal, ores), and the added pollution of air, water, and land. The more subtle effects include debates over long-term effects (e.g., global warming, deforestation, natural habitat destruction, coastal wetland loss.)

Q:7  

A major part of modern techonology is developed by keeping _________ in mind?

• A:

   

  Environment

   

   
• B:

   

  Education

   

   
• C:

   

  Economy

   

   
• D:

   

  Ecology