Japanese Tap Water Purification

Luke Thompson

Blog #11

As Japan continues the long process of recovery following last month's earthquake disaster, government officials are taking every possible measure to protect resident's from nuclear radiation exposure. After dangerous levels of radioactive iodine-131 were found at a water purification plant that feeds Tokyo's tap water supplies, officials immediately and significantly raised water purification standards.

In order to quell public fear over the news, the Japanese government turned their attention to an effective filtration technology based on charcoal made from coconut-shells. Treatment plants have rushed to order shipments of granulated charcoal at four times the normal rate as prices for the substance rise well beyond normal.

One supplier of activated charcoal, Kuraray Co., usually ships around 25,000 tons the product per year. Recently, however, the company has been receiving multiple orders for "hundreds of tons" every day.

Not only has the news of radiation in Tokyo effected the city itself, but other Japanese and even Chinese cities are drastically increasing their efforts to avoid any contaminants in their own public water systems. Private restaurants are also purchasing the substance in hopes of reassuring customers that the water they use in food preparation is safe to consume.

One major advantage to modern technology is its ability to self-medicate. When one form of technology creates a problem, there usually exists an antidote that has been developed along the way. This crisis shows that the development of solutions to possible complications should go hand-in-hand with the implementation of new technology.

UK Falls In Overall Clean Technology Spending

Luke Thompson

Blog #10

11:38 pm

As the global appetite for technology continues to grow, nations around the world are investing more resources into developing cleaner forms of energy. While it is impossible to have a significant impact on the issues facing the climate overnight, long-term spending goals have been the major focus of budget makes for some of the world's most technology-dependent countries.

The United Kingdom, once a strong forerunner in clean energy spending, has lost significant ground in terms of total government investment. Over the last year, the United Kingdom has slipped from 3rd place to 13th in the world. In 2009 alternative energy spending in the UK reached $11 billion but fell to $3.3 billion in the following year.

However, total worldwide spending for clean technology reached a record-setting $243 billion in 2010. Most importantly, this number represents the first time in which spending for green energy has outweighed nuclear power.

The disheartening drop in spending within the UK, however, can be attributed to poor relations between the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Treasury and the Department of Business. The main point of conflict rests on the economic viability of long-term spending goals.

I believe that the current economic climate presents a complex dilemma facing many governments. While policy makers want to be sure that the government's budget can adequately support the internal needs of the citizens, they must also weigh the larger issues that could have an effect on the entire earth itself.

When deciding how to divide up a tightly bound budget, governments must understand that spending for clean technology is an investment in the well-being of their citizens for the long-term. More money spent now to deter future environmental crises will ultimately mean less spending on health and disaster related costs in the future.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/mar/29/uk-global-green-investment-rankings

The Worldwide Debate Over Nuclear Energy

Blog #9

Luke Thompson

As the world looks on in horror at the nuclear crisis in Japan following a 9.0 magnitude earthquake, many countries are evaluating their own policies regarding nuclear energy. Turkey, in particular, is facing new opposition to a nuclear power plant scheduled for construction.

First licensed back in 1976, the site chosen for the plant is Akkuyu, in the Southeast part of the country. Chief among the concerns surrounding the plant is the fact that an active tectonic fault lies almost directly beneath the planned location. A shifting fault line beneath the nuclear power plant could result in a crisis similar to the Fukushima disaster.

In addition to these concerns, many fear the possibility of environmental damage in the area surrounding the plant. Without any clear plan for disposing of the nuclear waste left over from the energy production process, many believe that the surrounding area could become a nuclear dump site in the near future. Others point out that the extremely hot water released from the reactors after being used for cooling could heat up the sea water by 5 degrees, killing much of the local marine life.

I believe that when calculating the pros an cons of an energy source one must look at the process from start to finish. As Turkey, along with the rest of the world, reevaluates nuclear energy, the sustainability of the power source needs to be weighed against the long-term environmental hazards resulting from the use of this technology.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/25/idUS122778134920110325?pageNumber=1

Japanese Supply Chain Tested

Luke Thompson

In today's global economy, a localized disaster in one country can have massive repercussions for other countries worldwide. When a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami battered the northeastern shoreline of Japan last week, the destruction sent reverberations through many technology companies who's products rely heavily on Japanese-made components. While the complex global supply chain has proven to be quite resilient, there always exists a delicate balance that must be struck in order to keep factories and stores operating as usual.

In the aftermath of the tragedy in Japan, many plants that produce essential technological components have closed indefinitely, leaving many companies scrambling to find alternative means of production. For example, Japan produces 35% of the lightweight flash memory used in smart-phones and tablet computers. To further complicate the matter, many companies only stockpile a small amount of product at any given time. Without a continual flow of goods, factories and stores quickly dry up their product reservoirs.

I believe that the unavoidable strain on the global supply chain as a result of this terrible disaster will force companies to reevaluate their sources of production. While localizing production may cut down on costs under normal conditions, it allows for the possibility of major negative financial repercussions. To avoid this crisis in the future, companies will be forced to further globalized their production lines to compensate for the possible loss of certain markets.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/20/business/20supply.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

Amine Technology Planned for CO2 Management in Norway

Luke Thompson

Global climate change does not discriminate. In some way or another, the effects of carbon emissions into the atmosphere are felt by everyone living on this planet. As everyone tries to find solutions to this problem, Norway is seeking to implement new technology to effectively trap the greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere from power plants burning coal and natural gas.

While the method has not been fully tested, engineers planed to use an amine solvent to absorb the harmful gas emissions from the Mongstad oil refinery. Recently, however, environmentalists have claimed that the amine method presents a substantial cancer risk to the nearby residents. In response to these statements, the Norwegian government has decided to withhold support from the technology in favor of research for alternative methods.

This news seriously dampens the government's prospects of achieving its goal of cutting total carbon emissions by over 30% by 2020.

While countries around the wold strive to lesson their carbon footprint on the atmosphere, technology continues to play a prominent role in planning for the future of the climate. However, it must not be overlooked that these technologies themselves are capable of creating massive outputs of carbon emissions themselves. From the production of the equipment used to control the amine, to the transportation of the supplies, every stage in the process results in the release of additional carbon fumes. While it could be argued that the benefits outweigh the costs, the most effective and far-reaching change must occur within the society itself. As people are educated about harmful CO2 gas and alter their lifestyles accordingly, a culture of conservation will arise and end the cycle of dependancy on gas and coal.

http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFLDE72317320110304?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0

Canadian Water Conservation Technology

Drinking water, the most essential of all life-supporting resources on the planet, is in short supply in many parts of the world. It has been predicted that in 15 to 20 years one third of the entire population will not have enough water to sustain life. Many of the nations experiencing the worst shortages in water will be developing countries with limited access to effective water discovery, purification, and management technology.

In addition to this massive drinking water deficit, extreme flooding has become much more common occurrence in recent years. Large floods that were known to take place once a century are now happening every twenty years.

Many have begun to look towards Canada for technological solutions to these impending catastrophes. With freshwater lakes that account for 9 percent of the earth's total drinking water, Canada has been continually on the cutting edge of water usage and distribution technology. However, because these lakes are not all fed by precipitation, successful management of these resources through technology is key.

Canada also has experience managing instances of large-scale flooding with impressive ease. According to Zafar Adeel, the chair of UN Water, many of the problems that have been overcome by Canadian communities mirror those in Third World countries.

As water supplies around the world continue to dwindle and demand rises higher and higher, it is wise to analyze nations that have successfully managed their water resources in order to find a solution. Canada's dedication to technological innovation in regards to water usage could hold the key to deactivating the time-bomb of a global water shortage.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/canada/Canada+called+global+leader+water+panel/4355516/story.html

Technology and Corruption in Africa

Luke Thompson

SOC 202

Bono, leader of the Irish rock band U2, believes technology can solve many of Africa's governmental and human rights issues. As a long-time activist supporting HIV awareness and treatment in Africa, Bono is now turning his attention to what he feels is another viable issue affecting the continent.

Government corruption has long been the norm for many developing African nations. In the past, these officials have taken advantage of the people's inability to react with significant resistance due to a suppression of personal freedoms. But Bono says that times are changing. "It's hard to be a totalitarian regime when people know so much. It's also hard to be a corrupt police officer when people can text and tweet about it."

He believes that social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook along with the general accessibility of information can empower those who are being suppressed and give them the tools to be educated about their circumstances and also fight back.

Bono used the recent protests that lead to the resignation of Hosni Mubarak in Egypt. He noted that because of social networking sites, activists were able to organize rallies and band together to achieve their shared goal of reform.

People who once felt stuck in their circumstances within a corrupt regime now have hope for change through the use of technology. As the internet gains accessibility, its liberating powers are also made available to those who, in generations past, would have no hope for escape. This could also lead to the prevention of outside nations feeling pressured to start liberation wars with corrupt leaders, avoiding the complexities of outside long-term reorganization.

http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_17394419

Technology Could Benefit Vietnamese Fruit Exports

Luke Thompson

Vietnam reaps a massive crop of unique fruits each year but lacks the technology to take full advantage of this resource. Without the necessary means of preservation and cultivation, grasping the economic advantages of exporting this rare commodity is impossible. While annual production of fruit can reach 7-8 million tons, only 300,000 tons are fit for export.

Because indigenous fruits are cultivated with traditional methods of production and ripening, they are unfit to be exported to other countries with strict laws regarding food importation. Although several locations were designated for fruit planting ten years ago, the Vietnamese government has yet to provide any substantial financial support for farmers who want to globalize their fruit businesses.

A delicate balance must be found between the need for economic growth and the preservation of traditional methods of living. As cultures integrate into the global market place, the concept of "traditional" means of production is often lost or reserved for tourist attractions. But do these traditional practices really have more inherent value because they have been utilized longer? Whatever is considered "traditional" by today's standards was at some point in the past considered modern ingenuity.

While self-sustaining production practices that exclusively service one society are not relevant in a globalized marketplace, should they be closeted in a museum and labeled "irrelevant?" I believe that each case is unique and complex its own right. But no matter how many wholistic studies are done by outsiders, it is ultimately the choice of the society whether or not to assimilate into world-wide trade standards.

http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Business/2011/2/89589/

Egypt Shuts Down All Internet Access

The Egyptian government decided to shut down all internet access for the entire country following continued political unrest. Officials gave no specific reason for the massive blackout but many assume that the measure was taken to quell protesters who have taken to social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook to gain support and share ideas. In a global economy that relies so heavily on internet access as a means of commerce and trade, the effects could be felt all across the world.

Jim Cowie, chief technology officer and co-founder of Renesys, an internet monitoring firm, said, "It is astonishing because Egypt has so much potentially to lose in terms of credibility with the Internet community and the economic world. It will set Egypt back fro years in terms of its hopes of becoming a regional Internet power."

This incident has not only raised concerns about the economic fallout that could occur, but also potential human rights violations. Questions have been raised as to the people's right to free speech and the use of the internet being considered basic human rights.

This is yet another blow to the continual downward spiral of Egypt's economic position in the world. The internet's essential role in globalization is underscored by the effect its absence has on every aspect of a society. Without a constant link to the rest of the world, a country's economic structure in relation to the global economy will eventually collapse.

http://articles.sfgate.com/2011-01-29/business/27090014_1_internet-access-egyptian-people-facebook-and-twitter

Cloud Computing in China

Luke Thompson

IBM has launched a plan to construct a massive computing center outside of Beijing that will serve as a hub for both digital information and IT personnel. Still in the initial planning stages, the 6.2 million square foot center will function as a community built around at least seven massive cloud computing terminals. In addition to these huge storage facilities, the complex will also feature call centers, restaurants, and living spaces.

Slated to begin operation sometime after 2016, the center will have a multitude of professional users, according to Global Site and Facilities Services VP Steve Sams. Among the expected clientele are businesses, software developers, and government agencies.

Sams also stated that China is quickly becoming one of IBM's top sites for data center construction. The United States remains number one but Japan's spot at number to was recently overtaken by China and its rapidly developing technological infrastructure. Sams went on to say that it is only a matter of time before China passes the United States as IBM's top data center customer.

This provides yet another example of China's continual economic and technological expansion. As the communist government looks for ways to maintain strict regulation of information flow within its vast empire, the move towards large-scale cloud computing at centralized data bases seems like a logical step. A data center of this size would not only strengthen China's position as rising global superpower but also provide the government with regulatory muscle in the age of digital information.

http://www.informationweek.com/news/hardware/data_centers/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=229100310&cid=RSSfeed_IWK_All

Technology in Africa

With global population on the rise, many are looking for answers regarding the ever-increasing demand for the essentials of life. However, Africa is particularly at risk of losing much of it's productivity potential due to climate change in the next fifty years. Some believe that biotechnology can save many African nations from this catastrophe. Experts suggest that farmers use a blend of traditional practices and current technology to maximize efficiency. Suggestions include drip irrigation, conservation tillage, drought-resistant corn and disease-resistant bananas.

The next hurdle is actually getting this technology into the fields of the farmers themselves. Many of the countries in Africa feel that the new technology is unsafe and unregulated. While these same technologies have been used for several years around the world, they still seem unstable when compared to their ancient cultural ways. This fear is also based on a non-existent scientific regulatory system to test and approve such advancements.

I believe that this issue is quite complex and needs to be looked at from a wholistic viewpoint in order to be fully grasped. If technology does enter the picture in a big way, what will happen to the traditional ways of life which have sustained life on the continent for so many years? But the modernization cycle has already begun and in order to keep up with the globalized world, Africans will be forced to give up more and more of their culture. While this technology is not necessarily destructive in itself, it is a further extension of the path of change brought on by outside influences.

http://www.afrik-news.com/article18800.html