Throughout the years, technology makes a huge impact on what the world is today. Technology made a lot of changes to humanity, animals, plants, and the environment. "Technology causes problems as well as solves problems. Nobody has figured out a way to ensure that, as of tomorrow, technology won't create problems. Technology simply means increased power, which is why we have the global problems we face today (Jared Diamond, 2005)."
One of the most disturbing tragedies of the world was the fire that happened on Amazon Rainforest, located in Brazil, South America, and contributes almost 20 percent of the earth's oxygen, resulting in a major loss of trees and biodiversity. According to environmentalists, 99 percent of the forest fires are a result of human actions, either on purpose or by accident. Farmers and ranchers use fire generally to clear the land for further utilization. This year's fires also fit perfectly into the established seasonal agricultural pattern. This time is the most suitable to burn because the vegetation is dry. Farmers generally wait for the dry season to start burning and clearing areas so that their cattle can graze, However, the peak of the dry season is yet to come in September. Amazon Rainforest fire is also responsible for the death of a huge population of animals and it is suspected that a lot of these species are endangered.
Technology tremendously changes the lifestyle of humans. The life of the human race becomes easier than the previous years, is this phrase intended to convey double meaning? Obesity is one of the problems of humans that can cause different complications such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes etcetera because of excessive fats. It is also responsible for 4.7 million premature deaths each year quoted from Our World in Data. According to the article from Healthcare Guys written by Julie Adam, "In the same way, technology such as the use of smartphones, laptops, smart televisions have made children sluggish. It is seen that kids prefer to sit back and enjoy their favorite games or movies more than playing any physical game. Virtual games are of great interest but they do not involve the burning of calories which poses a great threat to the health of such kids. Thus, we can say that lack of proper physical activity is the main cause of childhood obesity. Technology is one of the main culprits behind the lack of physical activity as in the past the kids used to play and run a lot while these days kids find it more interesting to play games at smartphones thus staying idle. When less active, people of any age group or gender are likely to get more weight. As we know that as we play a physical game or exercise, we not only burn calories we also maintain a healthy weight by it. Even some parents are seen encouraging their kids to play virtual games and ultimately depriving their kids of physical activity." Since technology significantly lessens the exertion of physical activity of humans, it burning of calories that are supposed to happen in a day set aside.
Just like humans, animals also have the right to live in this world. We are responsible for every action we incurred. We must consider other lifeforms too. We are not alone in this world. It is extremely disappointing that some humans think that they own whatever land they land on. The space for animals is limited and must stay just for them alone. We must not interfere just for our desires. In the report published on Stanford News written by Steve Palumbi, "In the past 500 years, human activity has led to 500 species of land animals going extinct, a rate that has caused scientists to warn of sixth mass extinction. Many scientists have identified the birth of the Industrial Revolution as one of the tipping points for increased extinctions on land. Desirable species were hunted to extinction. Demand for lumber and expanding farmlands and factories meant leveling forest habitats. Pollution and other factors killed other animals. Two hundred years later, the industrialization of fishing has ocean life facing similar pressures. Instead of sailing ships, satellite-guided super trawlers now tow lines that stretch hundreds of miles. Overexploitation of fisheries has culled the population of large fish, such as tuna, by 90 percent. Shrimp farms are taking over mangroves, and 300-ton mining machines are pursuing seafloor mining claims with gold-rush–like fervor." From the news report, it is clearly stated the possibility of a huge number of animal extinction in the future. Technology plays a huge role in this Industrial Revolution. As technology increases, the possibility also increases to the fate of animal lifeforms and their natural habitat. Could humans never hear the wolf cry to the blue corn moon in the future?
Using technology for good intentions especially to conserve the environment will be a great aid for biodiversity. As stated in the journal "Solar distillation: a promising alternative for water provision with free energy, simple technology, and a clean environment" written by Hassan E.S Fath; Solar distillation presents a promising alternative for saline water desalination that can partially support humanity's needs for freshwater with free energy, simple technology, and a clean environment. The development of solar distillation systems has demonstrated their suitability for the desalination process when the weather conditions are favorable and the demand is not too large, i.e., less than 200 m3/d. The problem of low daily productivity of the solar stills triggered scientists to investigate various means of improving still productivity and thermal efficiency to reduce water production cost." Technology indeed reduces water consumption. It is good for the environment specifically for the bodies of water. Only 2.5 percent is freshwater and can be consumed by humans the rest is dangerous for humans to drink because of its unbearable saltiness.
Technology is a great tool for humans to be prepared for unforeseen events. Through the use of weather forecasting, it is possible to "predict the atmospheric conditions at a given site. With an increase in the observatories and synoptic weather stations record more data of rainfall, temperature, radiation, and wind helps to predict weather more accurately. Various organizations across the world predict weather elements and forecast weather conditions. Accepted standards are developed for measuring, assigning values, and codes for different nations (PrepArmy, 2017)." One of the perfect examples is the Republic of the Philippines. In the article recorded in PAGASA "More tropical cyclone (TCs) are entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) than anywhere else in the world. With the average of 20 tropical cyclones in this region per year, with about 8 or 9 of them crossing the Philippines. The peak of the typhoon season is July through October when nearly 70% of al typhoon develop." Weather forecasting is really important for the Filipinos not just because they want to conduct precautionary measures to lessen the casualties but also to save lives.
It is heartbreaking to know how many species became extinct and it is impossible to be seen by the next generation. Passenger Pigeons, the bird that once became the most abundant bird species in North America with the billion population are classified as extinct. Why does Passenger Pigeons population go from billions to zero in less than a century? Humans started hunting passenger pigeons as a commercial food source. Since it is tasty, the demand goes up. It is also easy for the hunters to kill them because they traveled in dense and low-flying flocks making them too vulnerable.
According to earth.com, in the article "De-extinction may become a reality for passenger pigeons" written in 2018; "A group of thirteen pigeons currently living in a research facility in Australia is making history as the first-ever pigeons to contain the Cas9 gene in their reproductive systems. Ben Novak, a scientist committed to "de-extinction" and bringing back the passenger pigeon, has high hopes for the offspring of the pigeons. Because the birds contain the Cas9 genes, their squabs (fledgling pigeons) will have the Cas9 gene in every single cell and researchers will be able to edit their DNA using CRISPR, a revolutionary gene-editing tool. If successful, the pigeons will be the first live animals ever edited with extinct DNA." It is amazing that through this technology innovation, it possible to bring the extinct species back to life.
In my conclusion, technology is a double-edged sword. The reality is, most of the technologies that humans have now are to fix their past mistakes that technologies' fault too. Humans indeed have different cultures, understanding, and attitudes.
The destructive side of technology is because of the wrong usage of some individuals. Being knowledgeable and empathetic about biodiversity is essential for the earth to have a peaceful and balanced ecosystem.
