'Earth Essay- The Promise & Wisdom of Nanotechnology'.

Stephanie Lynne's Authors.com blog, May 2013.

This excerpt is from my recent paper on Earth and Environmental Sociology.  I have evaluated a range of viable approaches to Earth's crisis, beyond the remit of sustainable development, broadening the debate to encompass the promise of new technologies, focusing on Nanotechnology. 

The topic is certainly close to my heart and is dedicated to the 'One Planet' initiative & a range of natural healing organisations, as an opportunity to give back and share freely practical ideas to heal the Earth.

Some references and resources are included, together with a link to the rest of the essay, based on edu blogs 'Progressive Etudes'.  Hope this makes for an enjoyable and evocative read!

Image:  'Abstract Maxims'- oil paint and crayon art by Stephanie Lynne Thorburn.

Earth Essay: The Promise & Wisdom of Nanotechnology.

Resume:  Stephanie Lynne Thorburn.

Abstract:   ‘Earth essay’ is a fundamental paper.  The work is advocating progressive, technological solutions and co-ordinated holistic education for the benefit of both individuals and government, to ensure a safe transitional phase toward a secure future for Earth and all its diverse incumbents.  The work explores comparable approaches on environmental policy and the seductive wisdom of Nanotechnology.  The author addresses the profile of the National Nanotechnology Initiative, especially the organisation’s work within the Environmental Protection Agency and NASA, utilising further, a strategic case study of Nanospire Inc.  The role of Oxford University Continuing Education is examined in relation to their vocational courses on Nanotech and the wider ethical/ social context of new controversial technological developments.  Finally, the less conventional contribution of space sciences and Kepler Space Institute are highlighted. The author proposes that the ethos of KSU offers a missing link in 21^st century progressive education, exploring the latent potentials inherent to humanity’s projected future, with reference to Frank White’s concept of the ‘overview effect.’

Key concepts:  Environmental Sociology, Sustainable development, Nanotechnology, eco centrism, techno centrism, ‘the overview effect’, space sciences, transformative studies, ‘techno humanism’.

Social Theorists:  Max Weber, Raymond Murphy, Frank White, Adriano Autino.

*I dedicate ‘Earth Essay’ to the ‘One Planet Accord’ initiative. (See link at base of essay.)

Introduction.

There are few persistent political issues that have frustrated me more fundamentally that the degradation of our natural environment.  As a Reiki Master, I am innately a lover of the Earth.  My perspective on the increasing crisis humanity faces in relation to the environment is not stereotypical, and has curiously not changed greatly over the past decade.  As a student of Environmental Sociology, I learnt before the recent tirade in the media, that our environment was causing much concern amongst scientists, politicians and environmental groups.  The available resolutions from a Sociological perspective penetrate beyond the relatively limited social discourses that we are presented with on a day to day basis. 

Sustainable development principles are taught amongst many counter viewpoints on social theory courses and the politically correct, palatable nature of the theory of this so called ‘gardening vision’ can be dissected critically in light of more fundamental, philosophical and practical approaches.  In a previous in-depth essay published to American Chronicle, (1) I discussed the origins and applications of sustainable development, eco feminism, deep ecology, ‘techno centrism’, ‘eco centrism’ and social ecology in more depth.  Hence to say, these are hotly debated concepts, interrelated to core sociological theories such as Max Weber’s notions of rationalisation in contemporary industrial societies (2).  I feel that fuller consideration of such holistic sociological theoretical insights would diversify the available discussion points and potential resources available to journalists and politicians alike, as the crises continues to worsen in context of our changing climate and natural world.

Earth’s Environmental Demise:  The Necessity of Co-ordinated, Progressive Technological Solutions & Holistic Education. 

I doubt that many people actually read the content of my conscientious essay ‘The Astrosociological Imagination’ (3) 2010, fully and with an open mind.  The reason for this is social myopia in regard to the initial labelling process when receiving information of a more unfamiliar persuasion in the public domain.  The impersonality and sheer volume of information being digested often leads it seems, to a limited ethos of inclusivity and a reactionary response.  My essay in context was addressing one potential and more radical solution to our environmental problems than sustainable development via a resonance with the views of the Space Renaissance Initiative manifesto, by Adriano Autino et al. (2011). (4) The slightly atypical and postmodern thread in my discussion resulted in a professional ‘cooling out’ process of my research and potential contribution, which has remained latent for the past couple of years.  As a writer and researcher, I am willing to be flexible in researching and discussing a range of progressive arguments in response to the challenges of our Earth’s future. I have been disappointed at the lack of support at a practical funding level and a lack of sufficient progress in social perceptions of the potential contribution of technology for the benefit of humanity & of the space industry per se.  Advances are definitely being made nevertheless, slowly but surely in relation to practical and social aspects of space sciences, cutting edge technology and holistic education in connection to Earth’s future and our quality of life.  I will explore these notions a little further, as I believe the concepts are at the heart of my own ‘techno humanist’ perspective.

Environmental Problems & the Viable Resolutions.

In a nutshell, I think that a growing population, the undermining of the rainforest, our continuing dependence on fossil fuels and the gradual depletion of species on Earth is a serious matter that should not simply be left to conjecture or viewed with deterministic eyes.  Day to day there are constantly more natural disasters of anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic origin.  Our ‘climate’ and seasonally determined ‘weather’ are increasingly intertwined through dysfunctionality, (winter in spring, drought surpassed by flooding and the constant failure of basic crop production.) 

The solutions may not be impossible, but funding and consensus in policy and action seems to be preventing the inevitable- with continuing persistent doomsday editorials in science journals and broadsheet press.  (5)

Better and more diverse education is needed and not merely a relaying of the latest strategy or directive on sustainable development.  Not only are these measures being implemented in a manner that is not effective, but they are at times rather moot to the point.  Recycling through a belief in economy of consumption and energy is very sensible when considered at face value.  However, even if these policies were implemented perfectly at a local and national level, there remains the question as to whether recycling is just a sticking plaster in capitalist culture?  Preventing shoppers from using adequate bags or stopping people in developed nations from drinking bottled water are rather miserable measures, lacking deeper response and insight, often creating an even more miserable social milieu.  We need to be moving forward socially and technologically, not regressing toward regressive modernist ideals.  The environmental movement needs to be progressing towards a more modern, egalitarian, advanced, energy efficient future, not backward toward Victorian hygiene and health standards. I would point out that I myself love to eat organic and home grown produce and I believe that given a more balanced approach, the best aspects of sustainability could be integrated into a more satisfactory environmental strategy. 

Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology Definitions & the Promise of Nanotechnology.

A Profile of the National Nanotechnology Initiative.

The parameters and role of Nanotechnology to nurture progress in so many areas from health care to the environment, is discussed very succinctly on the National Nanotechnology Initiative government website.  The organisation was established in the year 2000 and now comprises 27 Federal Agencies.  The vision and goals of the NNI Initiative are expressed as the creation of a future punctuated by a revolution in technology and industry, with clear societal benefits.  The NNI is a co-ordinated and well articulated organisation, founded in the discovery and deployment of nanoscale science and technology to serve the public good, via ethical research and development.  The NNI and affiliated agencies are working toward four central goals:  

The NNI’s website offers a treasure trove of pertinent information regarding the development of nanotechnology itself, ethical issues and the scale of efficacy for such new technologies.  The ethos is the development of technology to benefit the environment, public and economy, rather than the systematic degradation of the natural environment, often associated with the process of progress and industrialisation.  The key working groups are namely: - Global Issues and Nanotech, Nanotechnology, Environmental and Health Implications, Nanotechnology, Industry Liaison, Innovation and Nanotechnology, Public Engagement and Communications.  The NNI’s programme component areas include consideration of nano phenomena processes, materials, standards, research, education and society.  In 2013, the NNI was apportioned 1.8 billion in the federal budget. 

The Ethical Implementation of Nanotech. 

The NNI works with a range of partners including the Environmental Protection Agency and the remit of their work comprises assessment and disposal of recycling of products containing nanoscale materials.  This is a vital process as safety and reduction of the degrading effects of any nanotech product is fundamental to its success.  The NNI investigate green chemistry and life-cycle assessment approaches, looking at how nanomaterials behave within the environment. It should be noted that the EPA’s research activities are coordinated across the US Federal Government through the NNI and internationally within the Organisation for Economic Coordination and Development (OECD). The EPA has in fact played a key role since 2001 in nurturing responsible directions to develop environmental applications for nanotech, counterbalanced with assessment of the health and environmental implications.  This initiative has been provided through its ‘Science to Achieve Results’ grant programme. 

Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists.

Other significant partners of the NNI are The Food and Drug Administration and NASA.  The more inspiring and sci-fi ambitions of Nanotechnology can be considered via the collaboration between the goals of NASA and Nanotech.  NASA is orientated toward the future in space exploration, science and aeronautics research.  NASA’s role in Nanotech is focussed on developing innovative concepts in electronics, computing, sensors and advanced miniaturization systems.  Recent successes include nano-aluminium, ice rocket propellant, nano-structured composites for thermal isolation applications and smart electroactive materials.  Projects include flight demonstrations on the Shuttle, International Space Station and DOD flight opportunities.  These recent significant developments technologically are certainly inspiring and promising too, for the next generation of scientists, working with and innovating through nanotechnology.

For fuller assessment of the work of the NNI, please investigate their website archives, educational initiatives and projects further through their homepage: -

http://www.nano.gov/about-nni/what/vision-goals