In recent years, the concerns about the environment have become much more urgent. With the rate of climate change and global warming rising faster than ever, finding a solution to sustainable living is a priority. Many point to our reliance on technology and industry as to blame for the damage we are doing to the environment, and often this is the case. However, if applied right, technology, specifically robots and automation, could be a crucial step in saving our planet.
In order to preserve the environment, we need to be able to observe and gather data about it, so that the best possible methods can be used. Automation may prove very useful in this area, as new drone technology allows scientists to collect data and monitor environments in places that are otherwise difficult to reach. A program called Earth Cube helps show the impact of development on the air and ozone layer, while another project called Global Forest Watch tracks deforestation around the world. Applications like these can help scientists and environmentalists obtain a more accurate view of how the environment is changing, and allow them to develop ways to combat it.
Despite the negative view that people commonly have towards technology in relation to the environment, when developed right it can be an excellent tool in our fight to save the environment. However, automation also brings ethical concerns. Some think we should just stay out of the environment entirely, even if the intent is good.
What do you think? Should we use technology to try and undo the damage we've done? Or should we end our involvement completely?
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29 comments:
I think robots are definitely a creative solution to tackling our problem of waste but since there isn't much research backing up just how safe and effective they are, it shouldn't be our primary solution. Many innovations have, for sure, made conserving and protecting the environment easier, yet we shouldn't depends on it entirely. If one day overheating and excess radiation cause malfunctions in the technological equipment, it may give us false and inaccurate readings. This can cause even more issues than we are already facing which is why its important to deal with the problems that we started by ourselves. With humans there is less chance of error despite having to let go the ease and efficiency that comes with robotic solutions. This doesn't mean letting go of all innovations that mankind has come up with. Those aid us in directing our efforts in the right direction. For future sustainability I think the best solution is so deal with the problem ourselves alongside the new robotic innovations. Having this healthy balance between the two is necessary and the best way to tackle our problem and protect and save the environment.
I think these robots are a great idea. The robots who rid the oceans of oil spoils and other forms of pollutions can be very helpful. If they can truly be implemented into ocean systems and in other habitats, they could undo the damage that humans have done. Additionally, the conversion of the pollution to an energy source would be valuable, as we are in dire need for new energy sources. Ending our involvement could possibly make things worse for the environment, as humans plan to continue living with huge ecological footprints. However, I can see how people are opposed to this. Putting robots into the ocean system could affect the animals poorly. I’m not sure exactly how, but these robots could change ecosystems in a way similar to invasive species. Also, we need to be able to monitor the robots battery life so they don’t just die and sink to the ocean, adding to pollution. All in all, I think this is a brilliant idea, if executed well.
I think it is a great idea to use robots to help create a healthier environment, ironically, as they are usually tied with the negative connotation that robots and technology cause the demise of the natural environment that the world is. It reminds me of the movie Wall-E and how he was designed to pick up trash and clean up the Earth as it was failing and losing the ability to sustain life. Hopefully since the world is progressing toward a high tech era, I say it is a brilliant idea to continue down this road to find ways to help the earth. If we invest in these robots, it could have many benefits in clearing up trash and other harmful items in the environment. However, the question of budget comes to mind as who will fund these projects and how much would they be allowed to do? What if these robots are released into the wild and it walks onto private property and accidentally destroys private owned goods or if animals might feel threatened by an unknown presence. While there are some concerns, if started on a small scale such as in a community or small ecosystem we could see how beneficial it is and then determine whether to use them on a larger scale.
I believe that using robots and drones to help clean up and monitor our earth is a great idea. Sustainable robots that could clean and filter the garbage out of the ocean could really go a long way to repairing the damage that we’ve done. Robots view the world objectively and can give really clear data to show the scope of the damage we have done so we can figure out the best way to fix it. However, I can see the argument that we should end involvement. Many of the things we do have unintentional consequences. Ecosystems are fragile and small changes can have catastrophic effects, but the damage has already been done and I think we should do all in our power to reverse it.
Technology has evolved into a ubiquitous facet of human existence. In part, new technologies have created some of the problems, but they can also help to fix it. For example, in Baltimore, someone crafted a solar-powered water wheel that collects trash. In order to combat climate change, we must use every tool in our arsenal. Technology is becoming too powerful to ignore, and humans will never fully stop altering the environment. Robots and drones like the ones described above are crafty solutions to a complex problem.
Although the development of technology has been one of the reasons contributing to environmental degradation, I think that using technology to combat degradation is a method that shouldn't be overlooked. For one, the robot described in the blog post which uses pollution to power itself is an incredibly efficient way to start a cycle that eventually decreases pollution. Although this technology might be expensive, I still think that environmental degradation is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed, despite the high price tag. Although there are arguments against the further involvement of technology in relation to the environment, the deterioration of the environment was a human-caused issue, so we need to figure out ways to reverse it.
I do think we should use technology to undo the damage that we have done, if it proves to be effective. Also, I think that it isn’t very likely for us to completely stop our involvement in the environment. This is because we are still going to resort to drilling for fossil fuels, emitting high concentrations of green house gases and pollution into the atmosphere, etc. As of now, the most we can do is limit our activity. Therefore, these robots may be essential, if not now then in the future, to reduce our effects on the environment so that future generations can have the opportunity to live the same lifestyles that we have enjoyed. However, I can see how some people may feel uneasy about letting these robots roam free. To combat this, the government can carefully monitor the location and status of these robots to prevent any further damage.
I believe that the use of robots to improve our environment is a great and necessary solution. As mentioned, there is simply too much waste and pollution to be cleaned up by humans. To have robots do it, and then energize themselves from this waste is simply genius and extremely efficient. However, questions may arise as to whether this technology is worth it, and my response to that would be yes. I Our environment is in extreme need for solutions before it is completely unsustainable. With the technological improvements and innovations happening daily, I believe that the implementation of technology to help sustain our environment is very close. Although I do understand the moral concerns regarding the use of technology, I believe that benefits outweigh the setbacks.
I completely agree with the argument expressed in this blog. I believe that it is crucial that we advance technology and discover new ways of using it to our advantage when it comes to dealing with the rapid negative environmental effects occurring today. The use of electricity in developing large motorized vehicles or robots has significantly advanced during the 21st century, and its positive impact is evident. For example, not too long ago, the Intercepter was launched. The Intercepter is essentially a robot that collects trash on coastal areas of large bodies of water. With more support for these technologies, robots like the Interceptor could be mass produced, exponentially decreasing the amounts of pollution in the environment. However, this process may take years or decades, as these efforts are collective. Thus, it is essential that we each take part in contributing, or at least supporting, the advancement of technologies for the greater good of our environment.
Although it’s expensive and not guaranteed to work in all situations, I believe advanced technology can help the current state of our environment. I especially like the idea of using robots to help clean up pollution in our oceans. However, I don’t think we should solely rely on technology to clean up our environment. Placing robots in our ocean systems could not only hurt animals, but might add even more pollution to our oceans. Ensuring that the robots are durable, yet biodegradable, and long-lasting in battery life could ease many of these concerns. In addition, making robots in charge of ocean clean-up efforts would make humans less accountable for their actions, which could potentially result in more pollution.
An interesting use of the concept of utilizing robots in order to cleanup the environment is the current effort to develop technology to clean up the debris and other waste currently orbiting the earth. As ironic as it is to use technology to resolve the problem primarily caused by the industrial revolution and furthering of technology, I think it could definitely aid in the battle of against the human waste in the ocean. I think that baseless technophobia and the spreading of misinformation, such as Trump saying that windmills cause cancer, may obstruct this solution from being implemented.
I think the robots are a great concept to try to undo the damage we’ve done. Being able to get rid of pollution in large bodies of water can be of vast help in keeping a sustainable environment. I think more research and studies should be conducted before enacting the robots into the oceans. I believe that these self-sustaining robots can repair part of the damage humans have caused to our planet. It is essential for us to find a way to decrease the damage that is being forced upon our environment. I do not think our planet could end our involvement in technology completely. Technology is used to communicate around the world, and after many decades of using technology, I do not believe we could revert back. We may be able to cut down our use, but it may not make a huge difference. Therefore, the robot idea seems like a great plan, if researched more thoroughly and deems effective.
I think that these robots are an extremely creative solution to the ocean landfill situation. If the robot will truly be able to convert the trash into sustainable energy, then it could really help with global environment clean up, especially in hard to reach areas such as the middle of the Pacific. I also think it’s worth it to try to streamline the conversion process the robot uses to create energy. What if homeowners had this kind of technology and could convert their own trash into energy and power up their houses? Improvements in technology may be the only way to effectively undo the damage humans have done. Ending our involvement in all maters regarding the health of environment would only maintain the amount of damage done and not reverse it.
I believe it is our duty to undo the damage we have done to our planet and attempt to better the environment around us. We have contributed so greatly to the demise of species and the biosphere as a whole, it is hard to believe that it would be able to bounce back after all of it— especially if we want it done before all of humanity is lost. Though development and technology are much to blame for this problem, I don’t see why they could not help it as well. With inventions and devices like those mentioned in this article humanity can likely help a great amount to undo the damage we have done. We should not stand idly by and watch the world perish before us.
I truly think technology can help us advance our progress in countering the environmental issue we caused. Although it sounds ironic to use a man made creation against a problem that we created ourselves, I agree with many of the pointers you stated in your article, especially the idea of a robot eating pollution that would provide energy for itself and thus allow the robot to eat more pollution. However, the only concern I have with technology is the threat to sustainability that they pose since building a lot of these robots would mean we would have to dedicate more limited resources to making this technology. On the other hand, in the long run, maybe these robots along with other technology to help gather data about the environment would be worth it if their benefits outweigh the environmental cost of making them. Besides, ending our involvement completely would make the environment degrade faster and even worse, so I definitely think we should be give technology a good shot before we call it off.
I feel like if we were to undo the damage we have done, we’re just going to dig ourselves a bigger hole to come out of. Finding solutions to protect the sustainability of our environment is for the right cause, but though it always seems to lead to another problem. When we seem to solve one conflict, it often leads to another. Technology, or robots, may be the same way. Because we give the same orders to the robots, they are under our control, and our ideas and actions have never been successful and I don’t feel it will change with robots. The ideas will be generated by the same kinds of minds. I think that robots could eventually develop a mind of their own, and from that point there may be change. Technology will eventually advance to help our needs like it continuously does and transform our planet; no matter how long it may take, I believe robots will eventually find it’s place to be completely dependable.
If we were to end out involvement of helping the environment completely, we would be find, but the future generations would be the ones facing problems. I feel like we should something to help because it is not fair if we leave the future generations home in a bad condition, and if help means using robots, we use robots. Artificial Intelligence and Technology are everything nowadays. So many people rely on them, why cant we rely on them to help save the environment. If universities are creating these already and know how to work them, I say we make more and throw them all in the ocean to “eat” the pollution. Also, as artificial intelligence becomes more advanced, they wont need the help of humans anyone, and they will be able to do things without us, which is why using technology and robots to save our environment is a great idea.
I think robots and drones would be a great way to help humans in places that we cannot. However, I don't think that they should replace, or even dominate, human efforts. For reaching pollution in dangerous or difficult places, robots and drones are possibly the best solution. For example, scientists are already creating robots to clean the millions of tiny particles of space junk that orbit our planet instead of sending human astronauts on the same dangerous missions, and you already mentioned those cleaning the ocean. The thing is, creating robots uses up material and energy, and creating too many could pose a problem when it comes to waste, which is why I would recommend using pollutant - clearing robots sparingly and only for specialized positions.
I agree that robots and technology in general must be utilized to solve the problems that humans have created. Another example is genetically engineering bacteria to consume plastic. Instead of a robot, this method is more natural, and would pose less of a harm to the ecosystem, These bacteria could easily and naturally reduce the pollution in oceans, on land, and wherever it is present. Different strains of this bacteria could also tackle air pollution, and toxins of other forms. Despite the elusive fail-safe of technology, we cannot rely on this Plan B. The problems with the environment and the destruction of ecosystems everywhere are of upmost concern to all living things on earth, and we don't have the time to create adequate technology to slow this problem. That is why governments must simultaneously deal with this problem by funding research into similar technology and reducing the problem at hand.
I think we should use technology to fix our mistakes. It would take too much time for the environment to naturally fix itself through our mistakes. However, I think that we should first research the technology and test it out before we use it to help the environment. If we do not do this, we may cause further problems that we did not foresee on the environment. If this self sustaining robot technology were to be perfected, I think it would be the best solution to our pollution problem, and may pave way for more industrial growth due to a cleaner environment.
I think that robots and technology could actually be extremely beneficial to the environment, and help in ways that us humans can’t. However, I don’t think that robots should completely take over for humans in any aspect of life, but especially the environment. However I do think that they could be super beneficial in helping to find new ways to improve our ever declining environment. It is our fault that we have ruined the Earth, so I believe that it should be our duty to fix it. That being said, if technology can help, then I think we should fully utilize it.
Although robots are a new and unique solution to solve the problem of waste, because there is not a lot of research to confirm its benefits, the use of robots shouldn’t be the main solution to this issue. Innovations are used to protect and sustain the environment more efficiently, but there shouldn’t be complete dependence on technological equipment. For example, technology is prone to malfunction, which could cause more issues to arise rather than resolving the original problem. On the other hand, humans have a lower chance of error and malfunction in comparison to robots and technological advancements, even though it may be more convenient. I believe that the best way to resolve this issue is to have humans work together with robotic innovations in order to balance each others’ weaknesses.
I believe that robots are the pinnacle of technology as humans have been able to create machines that replicate human actions and thinking. Although robots cannot process emotions as humans do, it is quite fascinating and scary to see them "evolve" when you keep movies like the terminator and I, Robot in mind. Robots are primarily meant to do jobs that are either too mundane or dangerous for humans to perform, which is why I think they are well suited for waste removal or clean-up. Although the robots of today's day and age may not be the best for the job, I believe they can be improved to clean up our oceans. I don't know the science of it, but when a robot is sent out into the middle of the ocean, it becomes hard to access and control. If the robot were to malfunction or be damaged, it becomes another piece of trash floating in the ocean. The complex electronics within it could also leak harmful chemicals such as those found in a lithuim battery. But, when considering the fact that humans were able to build robots that were launched into outer space and complete mission, a waste removing robot doesn't seem that far-fetched.
I think using innovations such as robots is the perfect way to undo our harmful actions to the environment. In a way, it makes sense as our innovations diffused exponentially and damaged many habitats and reduced biodiversity. This time, our innovations can reverse that damage and allow ecosystems to recover. However, it’s best to stay cautious as these robots can cause unforeseen consequences or potentially damage more habitats. As an example, what if the pollution-eating robots malfunction in the ocean? The robots’ parts will likely cause more pollution and animals may consume the parts. Nonetheless, this is a start of undoing the damage we’ve caused.
I agree that using robots can be beneficial rather than detrimental to the environment. I’m particularly intrigued by the robot that ‘eats’ pollution and creates its own sustainable eco-friendly energy source. If more of these robots were to be created and deployed around the world, the effects would be incredible and helpful to environments all aorund the world through reducing harmful trash that will be resumed, and removing a threat from oceanic habitats. I think that more efforts in technological development should be focused on environemntal help such as the robots or apps that help both scientists and the average person play a role in helping the environment.
I think this is a very innovative way to clean up our trash. As human population is growing, the trash we produce is growing exponentially high, to a point where humans cant physically clean up all this trash by ourselves. In fact, this idea is being actively implemented by a private nonprofit organization called 4Ocean, in which they use Mobile Skimmers to pick up the trash floating on the surface of the ocean. They are able to scoop up tons and tons of trash nearly everyday. We could even further enhance this idea to clear out the many landfills on the Earth’s surface too.
I believe that the damage we have done to the environment is too extensive and that technology will not save us from our inevitable doom. However, robots may be able to give the human race a little bit of more time on Earth. The concept of robots being able to clean up the extensive pollution in the ocean and in the air is very intriguing. It is even more intriguing to think that robots will be eco-friendly. This means that robots won’t contribute to as much pollution. Although the idea that robots will take over human jobs always remains in the back of people’s minds. Overall, however, I feel like robots will be beneficial to the environment.
In my opinion, the destruction of our environment is too great to be reversed. However, we can do out best to make sure the damage is healed as much as possible. Robots could help us do this, especially because they are nonliving and could help in ways normal humans can't. They can clean up trash in the ocean and filter the air. Additionally, robots running on the pollution we produce is also an intruiging eco-friendly concept. These robots will be built only for the purpose of helping the environment, so people don't have to worry about them "stealing jobs" or whatever.
Yes, I think we should take advantage of robots and the expansion of technology. A great way to do that would be to continuously expand funding to NASA because a lot of the operations done at NASA directly lead to newer technological innovations. If we could harness the newer technology then we would be able to help clean up trash and use helpful technology to do that.
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