Techno Fix Flashcards
Development of technology
A unending process with new and better technologies replacing older, obsolete ones. New technologies have a life cycle, decline begins when better technologies become mainstream, life cycles have become shorter over time and the speed of growth has increased
Attitudes to technology
people tend to accept it if they think it will improve their lives. However some are opposed to technological change such as the Amish
Geographical distribution of technology
Varies widely across the planet, electricity availability varies and that affects the ability to use technology. Countries at higher levels of development tend to have greater access to communications technology, many countries cant afford newer technologies
Inequality of access
Examples of include, HIV treatments, nuclear, commincations (north korea), contraception and GM crops
Link between technology and development
Development brings infrastructure for technological advancement e,g reliable enrgy,water and communications systems
intellectual property
Right to protect things individuals have come up with e.g copyright or industrial property. But these can prevent access and innovation for others
Leapfrogging
can provide a short cut to development, new technologies are increasingly wireless and mobiles so nations can skip the hard wired technologies of the twentieth century. This cuts down the digital divide
Unforseen consequences
Many advances have consequences that were not expected such as the green revolution; social polarisation, monocultures, dependency and eutrophication
Externalities
The cost or benefits that the use of a technology creates for a third party
Appropriate technology
technology that is suited to the level of income, skill and needs of the local people
Mega-Projects
Huge top down projects often to industrialise and develop a high income economy
Overcoming global environmental issues
Geoengineering are large scales schemes to solve problems such as space mirrors and synthetic trees to tackle climate change
Sustainable futures
some say geoengineering isn’t the answer as it allows pollution to continue, in assessing whether technology is sustainable we consider its futurity, equity, public participation and environmental impacts
Technology transfer
Technology is widening the development gap, to prevent further widening technology transfer to the developing world is important. This can be done by refusing to grant patents on IT software and new plant varieties, not using bilateral aid
