MODULE 5 Flashcards
The Information Age is considered a historic period in the 21st century. Characterized by the
rapid shift from traditional industry, it is also called
Computer Age, Digital and the New media
age.
It began around the 1970s and still going on today
This era brought about a time period in which
people could access information and knowledge easily. As in the field of literature, the
renaissance influenced this age by creating the idea inventions that led to modern ones.
Samuel Morse’s invention of the
telegraph in the 1890s through the development of the telephone, radio, television and
computers.
Information Age also referred to people, information and societies that chronicle the birth and
growth of electronic information from ancient times
- Pre-Mechanical – 3,000 BC 1450 A.D.
- Mechanical – 1450-1840
- Electro-Mechanical – 1840-1940
- Electronic/Information – 1940-present
There are four periods of the Information Age, namely
Blaise Pascal, Alexander Graham Bell, Steven
Wozmak, Steven Jobs, Bill Gates.
Some pioneers who belonged to these periods
The internet was developed during the 1970s.
it was used mainly by scientists
to communicate with other scientists. At this time, the internet users problem was speed. The
development of the fiber-optic hastened the rate of sending message.
In the 1990s, the world wide web was developed mainly for commercial purposes.
New services
were created to sell products. Now, airline tickets, hotel reservations, books and even cars and
houses can be purchased online. Colleges and universities would post research data on the
internet so students could find valuable information without leaving their homes.
Father of the Information Age
Claude Shannon
1) Globalization It has brought the world closer together, led to sharing information more quickly
and efficiently and enabled countries to share ideas and information with each other.
2) Communication It has made communication cheaper, quicker and more efficient. The use of
the internet opened face-to-face communication from different parts of the world.
3) Cost effectiveness it has led to computerization of business processes and increased
productivity that gave more profits, better pay and working conditions.
4) Creation of new jobs-It has led to the opening up of opportunity for computer programmers,
system analysts, hardware and software developers and web designers.
The Information Age has introduced changes in the different aspects of people’s lives, because
of the following:
1) emergence of online companies
2) creation of economically and stimulating businesses
3) more mature and educated people
4) reshaping governments with new technologies
Some of the
advantages of Information Technology are
biodiversity
The different species of our
plants and animals and the places they
live
Biodiversity and the Healthy Society
Biodiversity refers to the variety found in biota form genetic make-up of plants and animals to
cultural diversity
Impact of Biodiversity to Human Health
People rely on biodiversity for essentials like water, food, and fuel, which support health and livelihoods. Biodiversity loss directly harms health by disrupting ecosystem services and indirectly affects income, migration, and can even cause conflicts. It is also crucial for medical and scientific advancements, and its decline limits potential treatments for diseases.
The Impact of Biodiversity on Human Life
Humans are one of Earth’s 1.9 million species, sharing physical needs and ecological dependencies with other species. However, humans differ due to their ability to think, plan, and use technology, allowing unchecked population growth and activities that harm the environment. Pollution, habitat destruction, and reduced biodiversity threaten the survival of all life, including humans. Preserving the natural environment is critical for our survival. Global education, awareness, and collaboration among governments, industries, and the public are vital to address the long-term impact of human activity on the planet.
Human population growth
Human Population Growth Human population growth has surged due to advancements in medicine and agriculture, reducing disease and starvation in many regions. However, this growth and its supporting technologies strain natural ecosystems, threatening species and habitats. In less developed areas, population growth outpaces food supply, causing famine, poverty, disease resurgence, and forced migration. These crises are worsening and could eventually affect developed nations, as humanity nears the limits of sustainable growth.
Pollution and Destruction in our Environment
Technological and industrial processes produce harmful chemicals that pollute air, water, and soil, threatening the survival of natural species and exposing humans to toxic effects. Pollutants like pesticides and industrial by-products, such as dioxin, harm ecosystems and species, including humans. Acid rain, caused by acidic ions combining with atmospheric water, has further disrupted ecosystems by acidifying lakes and damaging biodiversity.
Destruction of Habitat
Humans have altered natural habitats through deforestation, wetland drainage, and land conversion for agriculture, industry, and development, displacing species and disrupting ecosystems. Poor agricultural practices, such as neglecting cover crops, overcropping, and overgrazing, have led to soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and sedimentation of water sources, further harming the environment and reducing ecosystem stability.
Exploitation of Animals and Plants
Modern technologies have enabled the exploitation of exotic animals and plants for trade, pets, and products like horns, tusks, and pelts, pushing many species toward extinction and harming ecosystems. Direct harvesting of plants, such as logging for hardwoods, has reduced biodiversity, caused habitat destruction, and led to soil erosion, particularly in fragile ecosystems like mountains and tropical rainforests.
Signs of Environmental Contamination
Warning signs indicate a growing imbalance in ecosystems caused by pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural runoff. These contaminants lead to deformations, illnesses, and population declines in wildlife. Examples include:
- Frog population decline due to hormone-disrupting chemicals.
- Bird reproductive issues linked to pesticides like DDT.
- Bird and fish deaths caused by oil spills.
- Marine mammal deaths and disorientation from coastal pollutants.
- Widespread water contamination.
.
Consumption of Energy
Industrialization has increased global energy demand, benefiting economies but harming ecosystems. Historically, nations like the U.S. and England have consumed the most energy, with China recently becoming a major petroleum user. While traditional energy sources like coal and oil are being replaced by renewable options (e.g., wind, solar, and geothermal), their development often occupies valuable agricultural land for infrastructure, storage, and transport, posing challenges to sustainable resource use.
Fossils for Fuels
Fossil fuels—oil, coal, and natural gas—have been used for over 200 years but are not replenishable. Their combustion releases harmful by-products, contributing to air pollution and acid precipitation, or acid rain. Acid rain forms when sulfur and nitrogen oxides combine with atmospheric water, altering the pH of aquatic ecosystems and harming acid-sensitive species like fish and amphibians. Additionally, the burning of fossil fuels is a major driver of global warming.
