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Future of Earth
A Layperson's View of Future Technology and Society
Future of Earth
Global Warming
Scientists all over the world agree that humans are the cause of
global warming and that it could have catastrophic effects. It is
important for all countries to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and
other greenhouse gases to limit the future effects of global
warming.
As a society, we must break our dependency on fuels that cause pollution by supporting clean, renewable energy sources. Each of us can slow global warming by reducing our carbon footprint and the pollution we produce as individuals every day.
The Rainforests
Rainforests are forests where more than 100 inches of rain fall each year so they are always green and full of life. More than half of the world’s plant and animal species live in rainforests.
The Doomsday Vault
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, or the Doomsday Vault as the media have dubbed it, is a shining example of people looking towards the future, considering what could happen, then preparing for the worst case scenario.
Controlling the Weather
New satellites, computers and high tech measuring equipment are helping scientists and researchers learn more about the weather patterns of the earth. By mid century you can expect more accurate weather predictions and eventually, controlling the weather itself.
Vertical Farming
A vertical farm, 20 stories high and the size of a city block, would have the capacity to grow enough organic vegetables to supply a whole town. There are plenty of positives. 24/7 crop production, no crop failures from droughts, floods or pests.
The problem? The estimated cost of developing and maintaining
such large scale urban agriculture, with its massive
artificial lighting and hydroponic systems, puts the price of vertical farm produced tomatoes at around $7(USD) each.
Obstacles to vertical farming could be overcome by technology. Vertical farms may be a good application for metamaterials, the new stuff scientists are creating that can bend light. Advances in solar cell technology, lighting, fiber optics, building materials and biotechnology could also make vertical farms more viable.
Vertical farms appear to be a practical solution to the growing demand for food and farmland.
Image from PlantagonBlog.com
More information on vertical farming:
Could vertical farming be the future?
Vertical Farm Plans Keeps Growing
Food, Fuel and Farming: the Sky's the Limit
Agriculture In The Urban Landscape
Good CARMA
CARMA reveals the carbon emissions of more than 50,000 power plants and 4,000 power companies in every country on Earth.
Our Future Water Supply
In the future, global warming and increased population could cause water shortages. Even today, there are millions of people that do not have access to clean water. Can technology provide the world with fresh, abundant water?
The eco machine that can magic water out of thin air
Video - Stephen Colbert puts inventor Dean Kamen's vapor compression distiller to the test.
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Future of Earth Articles, Blogs and Web Sites
All Links open in a new window. Bold = Recommended - Links do not imply endorsement
| Title | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Scientists say Earth's helium reserves will run out within 25 years | 08/10 | |
| Worlds needs to double food supply | Stock and Land | 08/10 |
| Water shortage: Grim future for Indian cities | rediff | 06/10 |
| Climate induced food crisis by 2100 | University of Washington | 01/09 |
| Disastrous 'eco crunch' threatens planet | New Scientist | 10/08 |
| Human-Caused Climate Change | NASA | 05/08 |
| Erasable Paper | Greentech Media | 05/08 |
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Worldwatch Institute | For an environmentally sustainable society that meets human needs |
| PATH | Global health and well-being through technology |
| A Census of Marine Life | University of Rhode Island |
| Global Footprint Network | Earth Overshoot Day |
| PlanetSave | Environmentally-focused blogs |
| See-The-Sea | Marine education and environmental awareness |
| IPCC | The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change |
| UNESCO | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |
| WWF | World Wildlife Fund |
| Global Footprint Network | To enable a sustainable future |
| Article | Sources |
|---|---|
| Arctic Seed Vault | Global Crop Diversity Trust NordGen |
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