Sample Essay on Technology and Sustainable Development
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Introduction
Amongst the most effective means of enhancing the growth and development of nations, science and technology stood out. Hence, the roles played by science and technology are critical in achieving, maintaining and sustaining development over time (Ahmed, 2004). However, sustainable development (SD) poses various definitions in social, political and economic contexts. The SD concept is not new (Ahmed, 2004) and it contains "the concept of needs and the idea of limitations" (WCED).
Quite simply, all definitions of SD necessitates that we look at it as a system that connects time and space and, in essence, all of us (IISD). In order to fully understand the relationship between technology and sustainable development, we will take a look on the context of SD from the United Nation's and the International Council of Science's (ICSU) perspectives.
The Interdependent Role of Technology and Sustainable Development
Even the United Nations (UN) believes in the increasing role of science and technology (S&T) in addressing global sustainable development challenges. Chapters 31 (Scientific and Technological Community) and 35 (Science for Sustainable Development) of Agenda 21 recognizes the critical role the scientific and technological community in the development process economically, socially and environmentally.
Chapter 31 relates that there is a cooperative relationship existing between the scientific and technological community and the general public through the policy- and decision-makers. Notably, the linkage of the two provides the leadership in taking initiative for SD and communicating the practical know-how to the SD concept. The role of science and technology further improve the delivery of information and knowledge for policy-development and programme implementations. In return, the policy- and decision-makers shall create a favourable environment wherein the conditions of training and researches regarding sustainable development will be improved.
In connection, Chapter 35 purports that an important role of the sciences lies on providing information to enable the formulation and selection of environment and development policies. Other significant responsibilities of sciences and, perhaps technology, include: "linking fundamental significance of the Earth systems with appropriate development strategies, providing improvement in the efficiency of resource utilization and finding new development practices, resources and alternatives".
Essentially, both chapters highlight the general public's need to access, generate and utilize knowledge in order to achieve sustainable development. In lieu, the scientific and technological communities must consistently interact with policy-and decision-makers (World Bank, 1997, p.40). The challenges, perhaps, lies in enhancing the capacity of the public in absorbing technology, transferring technology and building knowledge networks (OECD, 2007).
Despite the enormous contribution of S&T in sustainable development, S&T are haunted by own, different challenges: 1) a large gap between what S&T can offer, specifically for posterity's sake, and what society demanded and supported, 2) without basic scientific and technological capacity, S&T cannot effectively contribute to SD, 3) shortage of science and engineering resources in developing countries and 4) a decline of the existence of S&T in some countries (International Council for Science (ICSU, 2002).
In connection, S&T must contribute to solutions identified by the society and not by scientists. S&T should commit in empowering all members of the society in making informed choices rather than providing scientific services only to powerful groups/states. From the SD perspective, S&T acts in contributing information, options and analysis which facilitate a process of social learning rather than providing definitive answers (ICSU, 2002).
According to ICSU, S&T is in urgent call for a "new contract" because of the increasing challenges faced by S&T in effort to continually contribute to SD. Under this new contract, the S&T community would devote an overall effort in reflecting societal goals of sustainable development. More than credibility, the S&T community must increase the demand and supply for S&T, focus on socio-ecological systems, link knowledge and action and build scientific capacity. (ICSU, 2002).
The ICSU took the initiative in setting agendas in the service of sustainability, building an empirical foundation and strengthening the core concepts and methods of S&T. In this regard, the S&T community closely collaborates with local stakeholders and decision-makers where meaningful priorities can be realized. With a solid empirical foundation, S&T can severely promote sustainability supporting the international science programmes and scientific academies collaborative efforts. In order to further promote SD through S&T, core concepts and methods must be deepen and strengthen (ICSU, 2002).
From the ICSU's view, sustainability can be achieved only if we can address the challenges that are being faced by S&T itself. The 'new contract', the renewed commitment of S&T will be more focused, adaptive and responsive. The ICSU also believed that collaborative processes allow greater participation (2002).
Moreover, as Dr. Norman Neureiter puts it, the considerations of science and technology involved all facets of the 21st century (2002). He continued that science is the key in understanding global problems and technology is the core of its remediation. Dr. Neureiter even maintained that "the world is driven by technology. Hence, in order to take part on the world, science and technology elements must be incorporated in the development processes… The solutions to urgent problems may not be always available and practical and the development decisions made in the absence or ignorance of the best S&T advice available will be highly risky".
Conclusion
In sum, the achievement, maintenance and sustenance of SD goals and objectives will not only depend on the rapid technological advancement and innovation but also on roles taken by the academia, public, private and government sectors. To wit, S&T are increasingly becoming an essential component in providing feasible ways toward SD.
The existing relationship between S&T community and the general public are evidences that we all are a part of a system and, thus, connect with each other. So, as part of the general public, it is the people's duty to participate in identifying and addressing global sustainable issues. After all, the access, generation and utilization of scientific and technical information are all directed to SD with initiatives directed to empowering people.
Science-based decision-making, with the incorporation of best S&T strategies, approaches and practices, works as the central element of sustainable development. And only through science and technology, we can address the complex processes of sustainable development.
Reference List
Ahmed, A. (ed.) 2004, World Review of Science and Technology and Sustainable Development (WRSTSD), Inaugural Issue, University of East London.
'Integrating Science and Technology into Development Policies: An International Perspective' 2007, OECD, OECD Publishing.
Neureiter, N. 2002, Science and Technology for Sustainable Development, US Briefing to NGOs at World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) PrepCom II, New York.
'Science and Technology for Sustainable Development Consensus Report and Background Document, Mexico City Synthesis Conference', 2002, International Council for Science (ICSU).
'What is sustainable development?', International Institute of Sustainable Development.
World Bank, 1997, Advancing Sustainable Development: The World Bank and Agenda 21, World Bank Publications, p. 40.
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