Wired for Development
Manasi Gupta, reporting from the United Nations Commission on Science and Development (CSTD), highlights the recent advancements observed in science and technology while emphasising on their significance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Rome was not built in a day. Achieving smart solutions for an efficient city is a gradual and somewhat cumbersome process. But imaginative and ground-breaking growths in technology have shaped the concept of a ‘Smart City’. A ‘Smart City’ is a designation given to a city that incorporates information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance the quality and performance of urban services such as energy, transportation, and utilities in order to reduce resource consumption, wastage, and overall costs. [1]
The roadmap design for a smart city should be city specific. The process demands a comprehensive study of the city which highlights the needs of the community and is also economically feasible. Policies can thus be developed with definite goals and initiatives. This will encourage the engagement of citizens and make governance a more accountable and accessible process. The overarching aim of a smart city is to enhance the quality of living for its citizens through smart technology. The new internet technologies which have risen in the recent past include the Internet of Things (IoT) and Cloud Computing. Through the assistance of these advancements, more effective communication can be incorporated with the citizens and collaborative problem-solving can be encouraged.
A very successful example of the same is the Amsterdam Smart City initiative which began in 2009 and is collaboratively run and developed by local residents, government, and businesses. The City of Amsterdam (City) claims the purpose of the projects present in the initiative is to reduce traffic, save energy, and improve public safety. To promote efforts from local residents, the City runs the Amsterdam Smart City Challenge annually, accepting proposals for applications and developments that fit within the City's framework.
Another country which has adopted the Smart City Initiative includes China. The country has established a national plan for the implementation of smart infrastructure and a ground-breaking smart-city strategy for the city of Shanghai. Shanghai's developments in IoT have allowed revolutions in the productivity of transport management. The city has focused on smart mobility and implemented sensors to accept smartphone traffic cards in all metro stations and buses to increase efficiency in the city.
Cities across the globe can follow the footsteps of London to adopt technologies such as IoT in specific areas to improve facilitation of certain services. Such as in London, a traffic management system known as SCOOT is used to co-ordinate traffic lights across the city to improve traffic throughout. London now has intelligent pedestrian crossings that can detect the number of people waiting and change the lights accordingly. This has increased the efficiency of the traffic system and has also made footpaths safer for pedestrians.
A very significant development is the use of technology in providing clean energy solutions. Such an idea was introduced by the Delegate of Brazil, when they talked of a technology known as ‘Sirius’ in their country. Sirius is a new Brazilian synchrotron light source which facilitates research by revealing the molecular, atomic, and electronic structure of a wide range of materials. This advancement provides tremendous opportunities to improve the pre-existing forms of energy.
With a high percentage of the population pursuing education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), research in these specific fields would increase employment opportunities in the country. Careers in science and technology, specifically in the departments of biotechnology, cloud computing and the internet of things would allow countries to grow financially and to efficiently achieve the SDGs. It would improve the efficiency of service delivery and the overall quality of life for millions of urban residents. This would encourage participation from citizens and stimulate the birth of innovative ideas and initiatives, thus providing a key ingredient in the recipe of a satisfied, goal-driven and happier nation.
Sources:
[1] https://www.techopedia.com/definition/31494/smart-city
[2] https://trl.co.uk/projects/pedestrian-scoot-system
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_city#Smart_Nation_Singapore
[4] http://www.southislandprosperity.ca/on-the-path-to-smart-cities-lessons-from-china/
(Edited by Shruthi Subramanian.)
Recipe for Catastrophe
Nikita Rebecca, reporting from the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), pens down her views about the rapid technological changes occurring in the recent times that threaten to outpace public policy.
The 21st session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) hosted in Geneva, Switzerland on 14 May 2018 by the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD). The main cause of concern that was raised was the meteoric speed at which technology changes have taken place in the recent times. Like every other aspect of life, the sudden and rapid development of technology has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. This may lead to the unleashing of both positive and negative social and economic effects that still remain unknown. The UNCTAD Deputy Secretary-General Isabelle Durant stated in her initial statements that “The pace of political decision-making and its implementation is inversely proportional to that of technological change”. The reporter found this statement especially true as the reality is that we do not have enough laws and measures to regulate the technology that grows at such a rapid pace, as legal systems take far more time to adapt to these changes. This has raised serious concerns in the minds of the general public, and the reporter seems to be concerned about the same as well.
The gap that exists between the legality and technological development may not be bridged in the near future. This shows a clear lack of fool-proof policies and regulations; this would lead to multiple ethical, governance, equality, and equity issues. Donovan Guttieres of the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth, while addressing this issue, stated that the governments were not keeping up, which was especially true due to two main reasons. First of all, most of the governments as well as government bodies today lack proper stability; and secondly, these bodies are still running on old ideologies.
The real downside: loss of employment. A Huffington Post article by the President of Information Technology and Innovation Foundation Robert D. Atkinson brings out both the positive and negative impacts of automation. But the points that were the most impactful, all pointed towards the negative aspect of automation. The United States of America (USA) needs to implement proper initiatives and alternatives to help the displaced workers to make transitions between jobs and occupations. The underlying fear in the minds of people are primarily that of unemployment and the rising stakes to find well-paying jobs that can sustain their livelihood. This is a menacing problem in the Information Technology (IT) industry in developing countries, especially in the Republic of India that has seen a fair share of unemployment due to automation. Some IT companies like Cognizant and Infosys have reportedly laid off over 15,000 employees; and in the financial sector ,the HDFC bank has reportedly laid off over 16,000 employees in the past two to three years—an Economic Times report stated.
The reporter sees the need for a more ethical and firmer legal action. There lies an urgent need for the proper implementation of laws and rules regarding technology—better known as technology laws. It should be the responsibility of each and every country to make sure that these laws are properly implemented. Those companies or firms found to be violating these laws should be held liable and must be prosecuted accordingly. For the proper implementation of these laws it is of prime importance for these laws to be well-legislated and devoid of loopholes. Automation is only one aspect of the rapid technological development taking place; there are many more instances that can be brought up to highlight the inefficiency of the current legal systems and public policy as a whole. If there is no change in the current scenario of technology laws and proper public policy framework, there is a high chance as stated previously by Mr. Guttieres that even we cannot keep up with the direction and pace that technology seems to have taken: this is a recipe for catastrophe.
Sources:
[1] https://unctad.org/en/pages/newsdetails.aspx?OriginalVersionID=1754
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/jobs/machines-are-coming-for-indias-unwanted-jobs/articleshow/65974764.cms
(Edited by Shruthi Subramanian.)
Hello & Goodbye
Manasi Gupta, reporting from the United Nations Commission on Science and Development (CSTD), illustrates the viability of nuclear energy over other sources of energy.
When one thinks of the word nuclear, they imagine huge clouds of ash and explosions of energy. Destruction, devastation, and chaos are often associated with nuclear energy. But what remains unheard is the fact that Nuclear Energy is one of the cleanest and the most low-carbon energy sources. Unlike other popular sources, it leads to only a negligible amount of carbon dioxide emissions. Even after taking construction into account, it has one of the smallest carbon footprints. Another significant advantage of nuclear energy is its cost-effectiveness and efficiency. In comparison to other sources, it is still extremely efficient and viable.
Global warming and climate change are the primary causes of concern in the present scenario of the world. The continuous and ruthless use of fossil fuels has led to innumerable disastrous implications on the environment as well as on the health of humans. More importantly, the fossil fuels are on the verge of exhaustion and the world requires a viable replacement which is able to cater to its high energy requirements and fast pace.
The apprehension of countries towards nuclear energy is justified, as mishaps in nuclear power plants have resulted in severe destruction. This can be described through a case study of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster which was an energy accident in Japan in 2011. Japan had developed over 50 nuclear power plants with its innovative engineering technology. But after a severe earthquake struck the country, the failure of cooling systems led to the building up of hydrogen gas which in turn led to explosions; the radiation was released into the sea. A large segment of the country’s population had to be displaced and several others were affected. The aftermath of this disaster was that all of the nuclear power plants in the land of the rising sun were shut. As a result, the country switched to burning fossil fuels to meet its energy requirements.
Two conclusions can be drawn from this situation. Firstly, nuclear power plants should not be constructed in areas which are prone to natural disasters, as it can have horrifying implications in times of natural disasters. Secondly, research on strengthening safety mechanisms must be carried out. These advancements in technology can be observed in the formation of newer methods to safely contain nuclear power. An organisation by the name NuScale in the United States of America has revamped the design to fight the possibility of a meltdown.
Environmentalists might also argue the use of wind, solar, and other renewable sources over nuclear energy. But the amount of land solar panels would require to replace fossil fuels is astounding. The materials required in the synthesis of these panels are hazardous for the environment too. Moreover, it can only be adopted in regions which receive abundant sunshine. Even wind and hydropower systems cause damage to the biological ecosystems of the region. These forms of energy will not be able to sustain the monstrous challenges Earth is to face in the future. Hence, the point is that every form of energy has a downside and nuclear energy should not be dismissed hastily.
Nuclear energy is the energy of the future. Although it continues to require tremendous amount of research and deliberation, it is the best way to promote clean energy and efficiency. While most of the world the nuclear industry is in retreat, countries like France continue to embrace it as 75% of its energy is derived from nuclear energy. This sets a precedent for the other countries and encourages them to not be afraid of change. After all, only when we let go of the past will we be able to embrace the future in good spirit.
Sources:
[1] https://grist.org/article/these-5-people-changed-their-minds-about-nuclear-power-are-you-next/
[2] https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/02/smaller-safer-cheaper-one-company-aims-reinvent-nuclear-reactor-and-save-warming-planet
(Edited by Shruthi Subramanian.)
A Helping Hand
Nikita Rebecca, reporting from the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), writes about the developments in the field of biotechnology in agriculture which could be used in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
There has been a rapid development in the field of biological sciences, especially biotechnology. The branches of this upcoming science spreads itself far and wide, taking on an active role in all walks of life. From agriculture to medicine, one will find an aspect of biotechnology. The reporter would like to bring out the importance of biotechnology and its role in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and why it is the technology of the future. Biotechnology is technology that utilises biological systems, living organisms or parts of the same to develop or create different products as defined by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The two aspects pertaining to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—which aids in the fulfilment of the Agenda 2030—includes the eradication of hunger and poverty.
In the field of Agriculture, living microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast, animal cells, plant cells etc. are employed to make or modify a product, to improve the existing species or breed of plants or animals. By using this technology, we can engineer micro-organisms and plants for specific uses. These can be used for the increase in the yield of indigenous crops by incorporation of foreign genetic material. Agricultural biotechnology is aimed at the usage of plants, animals, and microorganisms to increase crop yield and to replace the flaws that occur due to the conventional methods of farming and agriculture. This means food with better nutrient-value and increase in the production of food. Such advancements can help in tackling the issue of hunger and starvation, which is very much a burning issue especially in the third world countries. These nations are often in the throes of famine and war due to extreme climatic conditions, bad soil conditions, and poor agricultural practices. It has been known that the contribution of biotechnology in the field of agriculture has been immense. This has been further substantiated by the reports from The Herald which states that by using gene editing tools in Zimbabwe the improvement of the livelihoods of about 7–6 million people living in the rural areas and depending mainly on agriculture; these people no longer need to live in poverty.
The development of Bt crops in pest resistance and the introduction of desirable genes in to the crop plants to improve their nutrient value as it has been done in the case of ‘Golden Rice’. The incorporation or insertion of the beta-carotene gene which is the precursor of Vitamin A (which possesses a characteristic orangish yellow or golden colour). This prevents the deficiency of Vitamin A which is a major problem in the developing countries which has seen vitamin deficiency related deaths. Bacillus thuringenesis is a bacterium which is found in the soil. This is used to kill the pests that infest crops like brinjal and cotton. Thus, leading to better harvest and lessening the damage done to crops by the pests and insects.
The reporter strongly feels that the SDGs can be implemented and achieved only when there is a proper employment of these technologies. The field of biotechnology should be used in an ethical and more mature way so that they do not fall in to the wrong hands, as there is the possibility of misusing this technology against humanity. Thus, this technology can be used to solve both environment and the issues pertaining to hunger and poverty. The reporter would like to conclude that this technology should be regarded as a helping hand for those nations in the clutches of famine and poverty.
(Edited by Shruthi Subramanian.)
Sharing a Slice
Manasi Gupta, reporting from the United Nations Commission on Science and Development (UNCSTD), summarises the results of the opinion poll conducted in the committee.
Is sharing and exploiting of data by private organisations justified if they are able to provide innovative and viable solutions to achieve sustainability?
The role of private actors has been recognised in the Agenda 2030, as the engagement of business partnerships influences the way in which a country achieves sustainability.
Private organisations lead to increased social and environmental awareness in business strategies. Corporate Social Responsibility is an international self-regulation policy which these actors have to follow. They have also led to the development of innovative projects and technologies. Hence, countries understand that the impact that such organisations have on the world is vital in achieving goals.
However, big data giants like Facebook have been known to exploit databases and have been rather non-transparent in their operations. They have been involved in a large number of data-leak scandals and have been known to misuse the information which they receive from their customer-base for their own benefit, thereby, compromising on the safety and security of citizens.
According to the results of the poll, it is evident that countries believe that preserving the privacy of their citizens is imperative and that it should not be compromised over the ‘innovations’ that these organisations present.
(Edited by Shruthi Subramanian.)
The role of private actors has been recognised in the Agenda 2030, as the engagement of business partnerships influences the way in which a country achieves sustainability.
Private organisations lead to increased social and environmental awareness in business strategies. Corporate Social Responsibility is an international self-regulation policy which these actors have to follow. They have also led to the development of innovative projects and technologies. Hence, countries understand that the impact that such organisations have on the world is vital in achieving goals.
However, big data giants like Facebook have been known to exploit databases and have been rather non-transparent in their operations. They have been involved in a large number of data-leak scandals and have been known to misuse the information which they receive from their customer-base for their own benefit, thereby, compromising on the safety and security of citizens.
According to the results of the poll, it is evident that countries believe that preserving the privacy of their citizens is imperative and that it should not be compromised over the ‘innovations’ that these organisations present.
(Edited by Shruthi Subramanian.)
I Need A Doctor
Nikita Rebecca, reporting from the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), posed the question of whether the technologies like nanotechnology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be allowed to take over the medical field.
The committee did not seem to favour the idea of technology taking over the field of medicine. The Delegates of Guatemala, Egypt, South Africa, Hungary, Germany, Mexico, and Singapore (to name a few) were in favor of the notion; the rest of the committee did not seem interested. This was ironic especially in the case of the Delegates of the People’s Republic of China and Belgium who had portrayed themselves as prime enthusiasts when it came to the implementation of similar technology. Some of the nations like Japan and South Korea have always spoken in favor of these technologies. They have been strong advocates of automation and nanotechnology since its birth and development. The conclusion that one can draw from this is that there is still a fear that lingers in the minds of people regarding the negative effects of automation. This is because of the misuse of technology when in wrong hands. It would not be too far-fetched to assume that they would prefer a doctor over a robot when under the weather.
(Edited by Shruthi Subramanian.)
(Edited by Shruthi Subramanian.)