AN OVERVIEW ON THE IMPACT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Dr. Eko, Maria.O.(MSTAN) koboleg@yahoo.com

Abstract The paper attempts a discourse on the impact of science and technology on environmental sustainability. It focuses on the negative and positive impacts of science and technology on our lives and consequently on our environment. It suggests eco- friendly technologies that will not be hazardous to nature.

INTRODUCTION Ice breaker!!!!!!!! How will you describe science? What is technology? Which is your view?-the negative impact of science outweighs the positive impact or the contrary? How does science and technology impact on the sustenance of the environment? From your own view, what does environmental sustainability connote?

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY Science is the word which is used to refer to an effort to discover and increase the understanding of humans about the physical world Technology deals with the use and knowledge of tools and crafts to control the environment (Wikipedia).

BENEFITS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN OUR EVERYDAY LIVES.  

CLIMATE CHANGE Climate change (global warming) is the increase in the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere (especially a sustained increase which causes climate change)

Effects of Climate Change on the environment include: Rising sea level Flooding Increase in world temperature Hurricane Tsunami

Negative impacts of global warming on agriculture, health & environment   Agriculture disrupts the supply of essential nutrients such as carbon (iv )oxide and water needed for plant growth through floods and droughts. Agriculture can also be disrupted by wildfires. Health Warmer winters → fewer deaths, particularly among vulnerable groups like the aged additional heat and deaths linked to heat waves in temperate nations and our own tropical environment. Warmer climes encourage migration of disease-bearing insects like mosquitoes which increase the incidence of malaria

climate change results in poor ocean zones Negative impacts of global warming on agriculture, health & environment contd. Greenhouse Effect This adds to the increase in the warm air that filters around the globe through air currents. Results in unreasonably warm winters or cool summer periods which make Polar Icecaps melt at an alarming rate causing a significant rise in the world's oceans. Environment climate change results in poor ocean zones increased incidence of natural fires extensive vegetation die-off due to droughts increased risk of coral extinction decline in global phytoplankton disruption of food chains and species loss.

Science & technology-Beneficial or hazardous? Without modern technology, there would not be the capability to improve energy management systems or to develop environmentally friendly products such as bio-fuels. To make a progressive step towards reducing the amount of damage technology does to the environment, it is necessary to find ways to manage new technology responsibly so that it can continue to have positive ecological impacts.

What is the way out? Eco-Friendly Technologies- sustainable technologies which utilize resources from the environment without causing negative effects on it.  Solar Energy--use of solar panels to provide electricity Geothermal energy- power source from the earth’s internal heat contained in the rock and fluids beneath earth’s crust (molten magma) Wind power --wind mills as source of energy low carbon options Bio-fuels

Low carbon technology- using renewable fossil fuels Low carbon technology- using renewable fossil fuels. Fossil fuels have high energy efficiency with extremely low emissions China has a low carbon economy for two main reasons: majority of China's inhabitants use public transport or bicycles to get around. the country utilizes high amount of renewable fossil fuels in its factory productions. Carbon is not emitted when fossil fuels are used and therefore, many of the Chinese factories run on renewable energy that is created from fossil fuels.

incorporating eco-friendly practices such as turning off excess lights and using less paper. reduction on the need for paper through increase in the use of e-mail and electronic communication gives rise to paperless offices in many organisations! Reducing of paper in turn reduces the demand for logging and deforestation. Ensuring Healthy ecosystems and environments Reducing negative human impact through environmentally friendly chemical engineering, environmental resources management and environmental protection. Achieving sustainability will enable the Earth to continue supporting human life.

WAYS OF SUSTAINING THE ENVIRONMENT ESPECIALLY IN A MEGACITY AS LAGOS STATE Composting and organic waste Recycling plant Recycling plant

What then is environmental sustainability? Environmental sustainability implies that the Earth’s ecosystems will: Continue to ensure the long term viability of our planet and provide goods and services essential for human life. Target reduction on biodiversity loss decrease CO2 emissions and reverse the unsustainable use of environmental resources.

Thank you