An Essay about Technological Change

There have been Technological changes over the past 100 years (e.g. electricity, motorised transport, aircraft, space exploration, medical advances, computer technology)

Significant changes seems likely in the coming century, esp. in the following 3 areas: information technology; biotechnology; alternative energy sources. Computer technology has developed rapidly in the past few decades (e.g. Bill Clinton became US pres. in Jan 1993 - only 50 webpages on the Internet!) This is still likely to be a major area of change in the coming decades: e.g. computerised houses, where your fridge can be programmed to order fresh milk there are likely to be important changes.

Biotechnology is likely to be the first area of significant change Genetically modified crops will be grown in climates that were previously impossible (e.g. wheat in semi-arid areas and tropical fruits in the far north) and will have higher yields than in the past … Livestock will be modified to produce higher yields of milk and meat. Human beings will be modified to eliminate inherited diseases.

A major challenge facing the world at the end of the 20th century = global warming resulting from man-made pollution important changes It is likely that alternative energy sources will soon be exploited more seriously dramatic changes Solar, wind and wave energy invented Nuclear energy? Perhaps we will abandon high-speed vehicles and accept slower, more energy-efficient ones?

In conclusion, we can expect major changes in the areas of IT, biotechnology and energy use.