Technology and Sustainability

Abstract

In ten essays, this book addresses a broad range of issues related to the interplay of sustainability and technology. How do population growth and technology relate to sustainable development? Can globalization be reconciled with sustainable development? Is sustainability a subjective or an objective concept? And how can we find a balance between technological risk and ‘sustainable safety,’ for example when it comes to chemicals? What are the real environmental benefits of new technologies? Is “cradle to cradle” a solution? And what are the limits of renewable sources of energy? Sustainability and Technology is written in honour of Lucas Reijnders, a pioneer in the field of sustainability, many of whose perspectives have become common knowledge and whose work has influenced thinking and research on this subject. He is one of the few environmental scientists who poses fundamental criticisms of the economic system and modern technology, and is, at the same time an advocate of sustainable technologies. For this collection of essays, a number of leading environmentalists have been invited to present their vision, each in their own field of expertise. Sustainability and Technology invites the reader to critically think about these issues, and consider the implications that sustainability has on society, environment, and technology and its developments.