History and Future of Technology: Can Technology Save Humanity from Extinction?

The book explores how technology has evolved as a change agent in society, driven by societal needs with evolutionary roots. It highlights the benefits and consequences of industrial revolutions, questioning if technology can save humanity from the environmental damage caused by its past success.

Format: Hardback
Length: 830 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Eminent physicist and economist, Robert Ayres, delves into the intricate history of technology as a transformative force in society, emphasizing its societal roots rather than viewing it as an autonomous, self-perpetuating phenomenon. In the vast tapestry of human evolution, technology emerges as a response to pressing societal needs, deeply rooted in evolutionary processes. Take, for instance, the evolution of language, which sprang forth as a vital tool for our ancestors to communicate both in the present and to future generations. Without this organizational framework, a band of hunters would have found themselves at a significant disadvantage in the face of larger and faster predators. Over time, this communication system gave rise to writing and music, fostering a collective memory and cultural richness. Similarly, the steam engine, born from the need to pump water out of coal mines and replace firewood with coal as a fuel source, paved the way for machines and mechanization. Even the simplest machines, such as the spinning jenny, revolutionized human productivity, multiplying it by hundreds and even thousands. This transformative era, known as the Industrial Revolution, marked a pivotal moment in human history. However, it is important to acknowledge that these industrial revolutions have come at a significant cost to the Earth's ecosystems. If we consider electricity and the automobile as a second industrial revolution, and the digital computer as the harbinger of a third, the world stands at the precipice of a fourth revolution, led by the realm
microbiology. While these industrial revolutions have brought about short-term benefits, they have also left a profound ecological footprint. The question now arises: can technology rescue the human race from the catastrophic consequences of its past successes? This book aims to explore this critical inquiry, seeking to unravel the potential of technology to mitigate the damage inflicted upon the planet and pave the way for a sustainable future.

Weight: 1410g
Dimension: 495 x 241 x 55 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030713928
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021