STS

STSModule
MODULE2-A
6A The Information Age

I. Topic: The Information Age and the Evolution of Information Technology

Images from www.wikipedia.com, www.wisegeek.com

II. Objectives
After reading and doing the tasks in this module, you should be able to
A. Trace the evolution of information technology in relation to the advancement in science
B. Name technologies that are foundational to IT
C. Describe society’s reaction to the influx of information technology

III. Introduction
Information technology dominates our lives today. Tracing its evolution is like looking at
the path that technology in general has taken. Its era of dominance which includes the present
day is full of dynamics that can be viewed in the STS perspective. This module discusses how
information technology developed from ancient time to present. How society went along with IT’s
power and influence is also discussed in the module.
IV. Discussion
Information technology includes all devices and procedures which process information or
data, transmit and store. Example of these technologies are telecommunication devices,
computers, internet, and soft wares. These IT technologies put the world in the information age
which is marked by the great ease of accessing and processing information. Today’s IT processes
are basically rooted on information representation called binary coding. In ancient period, it was
the Summerians (3000 BC) who first represented information using pictographs. In the medieval
age, information transmission got a big boost with the use of Johannes Guttenberg printing press
with movable metal type (1445). From simple writing, printing, drawing or even painting, the
process of storing data got a new mode in photography and magnetic recording in the late 19th
century. Magnetic recording is the basis of storing data in hard disc drives of computers. The
transmission of information or data through cables in computer networks is also based on an old
technology, the telegraph (1837). The Wireless Fideltiy (Wi-Fi) transmission that is very popular
today uses electromagnetic wave propagation which was discovered by Hertz in 1886. Laser
transmission of data is also used today and this is enabled by fiber optics which were developed
in 1970.
 In terms of data processing, the modern computer is the best technology so far. The
modern computers however are not new inventions. They developed gradually from the first
mechanical computer by Charles Babbage in 1900’s. The electro-mechanical computers followed
in the 1940’s. The 2nd world war pushed computer technology even farther resulting to electronic
computers which were mainly used for cracking codes like the Collosus, the first programmable
computer (shown in figure 1). The computer technology got another boost in 1952 with the
development of integrated circuits (IC). This led to the production of microprocessors and
ultimately to the computer boom in the late 90’s.

Figure 1. The Collosus

Image from www.britannica.com

The usefulness of computers and other IT devices is significantly increased by the internet
which was developed in the 1970s by the US Department of Defense. The internet remained
under US government control until 1984. In the 1990s, commercial networks and enterprises
began linking up to the internet leading the way to an exponential growth of the global network.
Today it is estimated that around 4.57 billion people are active internet users
(www.statistica.com). The internet is at the heart of the current information age as well as in the
emerging Industry 4.0.
The evolution of information technology shows how technology in general develops. It
starts with different technologies addressing one particular need. The technologies improve in
time but will have the biggest leap forward with the application of science. Technologies are then
combined creating a better multifunctional device. Pressures in society like wars and ideological
conflicts speed up improvements in technology. The biggest factor however in technological
development is the economy.
The Information Age
The information age is characterized by the great ease of accessing, processing,
transmitting, and storing of information. It started in the 1970’s. This period is also known as
“Computer Age”, “Digital Age” or “New Media Age”. Some people, like Manuel Castells, consider
information age as a revolution in itself and not just a phase of the continuing industrial revolution.
Castells (2010) in his book "The Rise of the Network Society" describes the beginning of the
information age as a shift from industrial society to informational society or network society. He
describes the network or the internet as the central piece of today's society that acts as the
platform for social, economic and political interrelationships. The informational revolution gave
rise to culture highly influenced by electronic media and communication technologies built around
the network. Castells believes that information age was a transformation towards an economy
that is heavily dependent on technological knowhow, information and access to the internet. IT
has changed work structures and patterns. Informational economy has created more employment
where there are more information technology.

Critics however point out that information age is simply the introduction and use of IT as
a new tool. In short it has not changed society’s structure. People have found new medium in
social networks for their ideas and opinions but still it mirrors the old systems as a whole. Those
democratic societies enjoy more freedom in the internet and those under authoritarian regimes
suffer suppressions. In economy capitalism has remained and IT became a new medium for
trade. The interfacing of IT and production machineries made their combination more “challenging
forth” because productions have been much faster. In the information age, “enframing” might have
even worsened as people find new ways of gaining profits in the internet. In short, Castells critics
do not see a new society in the information age. The biggest argument that they presented against
Castells’ theory of informational revolution is the digital divide. Majority of people are not well
connected to the internet. Not just yet.

V. Summary

The evolution of IT follows the usual path of technology development. It started with
society’s simple needs, accelerated with science, and developed further as a response to
social influences like military needs and market demands. In the information age, society
found a new medium or platform that hastened things but the society remained much the
same in general at least up to now.
 THE
INFORMATION
AGE
Objectives:
A. Trace the evolution of information technology in relation to
the advancement in science
B. Name technologies that are foundational to IT
C. Describe society’s reaction to the influx of information
technology
D. Identify IT related misconducts included in the anti-
cybercrime law
E. Propose actions how to curb fake news proliferation
Perspective of Modern Tech Development

SOCIETY’S NEEDS

Modern
SCIENCE
Tech
DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTERS
The Information Age
The information age is characterized by the great ease of accessing,
processing, transmitting, and storing of information. It started in the
1970’s. This period is also known as “Computer Age”, “Digital Age” or
“New Media Age”.
The computer and the internet are at the forefront in this era.

How revolutionary is the internet?

Castells’ Network Society
◦ Castells believes that the internet has created an entirely new society, the
network society. The internet serves as the central piece for social,
economic and political interrelationships.
◦ The informational revolution gave rise to culture highly influenced by
electronic media and communication technologies built around the
network. Castells believes that information age was a transformation
towards an economy that is heavily dependent on technological
knowhow, information and access to the internet.
◦ IT has changed work structures and patterns. Informational economy has
created more employment.
Criticism on Castells’ Network Society
Castells’ critics do not see a new society in the Information Age. The
internet is just a tool that hastens what society has been doing but it does
not change the society itself. In short it has not changed society’s
structure.

People have found new medium in social networks for their ideas and
opinions but still it mirrors the old systems as a whole. Those democratic
societies enjoy more freedom in the internet and those under authoritarian
regimes suffer suppressions.
Criticism on Castells’ Network Society
In economy, capitalism has remained and IT became a new medium for
trade. The interfacing of IT and production machineries made their
combination more “challenging forth” because productions have been
much faster.

The biggest argument that they presented against Castells’ theory of

informational revolution is the digital divide. Majority of people are not well
connected to the internet. Not just yet. So far only 4.57 billion people or
59% of global population are connected to the internet (and these are
mostly in the middle and upper classes of economy)
The Worth of Digital Economy
◦ Researchers estimate that “the digital economy is worth $11.5 trillion
globally, equivalent to 15.5 percent of global GDP and has grown two
and a half times faster than global GDP over the past 15 years.

ICT ECONOMY
Internet Related Problems
◦ The network or internet has become a platform for crimes and
misconducts like hacking, theft identity, privacy breach, pornography,
cyber bullying, spreading of fake news, trafficking in child pornography,
money laundering, blackmailing, and cyber terrorism. Some nations are
quick to react to these deeds and outlawed them promptly. These
outlawed deeds are popularly known as cybercrimes. In the Philippines,
the government finally enacted a comprehensive anti cybercrime law in
2014 , thirty years or so after the information age started.
Cyber crimes in the Philippines
1. illegal access
2. illegal interception
3. data interference or unauthorized alteration of computer data,
4. system interference or hindering of the functioning of a computer or
network,
5. misuse of devices or the use of ICT devices for committing cybercrime
6. cyber squatting
7. computer related forgery
Cyber crimes in the Philippines
8. computer related fraud
9. identity theft
10. cybersex
11. child pornography
12. Aiding or abetting in the commission of cybercrime,
13. Attempt in the commission of a cybercrime.
Fake News /
Disinformation
Fake news can be
a deliberate
misinformation. It
is not new. The
internet simply
provided a
platform for its
rapid spreading.
Large Scale Efforts to Curb Fake News
1. Outlawing fake news peddling
In some countries fake news peddling is a crime. Sanctions
however are on media outlets or internet platforms which serve
as medium in spreading the fake news. In the
Philippines it is not yet outlawed due to fear that the state
might use it against its critics. Fake news however may be
considered libelous.
2. Technical Regulation
Social media platforms have
policies against fake and
malicious contents. FB can
identify and takedown
inauthentic behavior. Most
however relies on users
reporting of false and
malicious contents.
3. Fact Checking
Some media outlets
and organizations fact
checks posts in social
media.
4. Education
Some countries incorporate
media literacy in their education
curriculum. In Kenya and
Sweden, media literacy starts
in the young age.
Personal Action against Fake News
Live the Good Life
Disinformation for political gains is often
peddled by troll farms. Trolls are making
a living by causing harm to others. If one
is committed to doing well then trolling is
not an option. Political partisanship /
fanaticism is also a cause of fake news
spread. Posts / articles that share the
same view points are often shared by
fanatics. Political inclinations should be
moderate to enable reason to prevail.
Summary
The development of computers, like any other modern technology
progressed from old foundational technologies, goes along with the
discoveries in science, and sustained by the needs of society.

In the information age, the computer and the internet are in the forefront.
Whether the internet or other Its have transformed society significantly is
still debatable.
Summary
The internet had become a tool for crimes and misconducts. The cyber
crime law enumerates offenses that are considered under the anti cyber
crime law.

One issue regarding the internet is it hastens the spread of fake news or
disinformation. Efforts to curb the proliferation include outlawing fake
news peddling, technical regulations, fact checking, and education.

In the personal capacity, one can fight fake news by pursuing a good life.
Midterm Exam
November 10, 2021 Wednesday 7:00 AM -8:30 AM
Coverage: Chapters 3, 4 and 5
STS
STSModule
MODULE2-A
6B The Information Age

I. Topic: Internet Related Social Problems and the Anti-Cybercrime Law

Images from www.arstechnica.com, r3.rappler.com ,www.bullguad.com

II. Objectives

After reading and doing the tasks in this module, you should be able to
A. Identify IT related misconducts included in the anti-cybercrime law
B. Propose actions how to curb fake news proliferation

III. Introduction
Information technology has provided society a platform and a new medium to do things.
The benefit from IT is enormous in almost all aspects of life. There are drawbacks though because
IT can be a tool for misconduct and crimes as well. This module presents internet-related social
problems and how society reacted to it. This lesson will also engage you in making proposals how
to curb misconduct in the cyber world.
IV. Discussion
The network or internet has become a platform for evil deeds like hacking, theft identity,
privacy breach, pornography, cyber bullying, spreading of fake news, trafficking in child
pornography, money laundering, blackmailing, and cyber terrorism. Some nations are quick to
react to these deeds and outlawed them promptly. These outlawed deeds are popularly known
as cybercrimes. In the Philippines, the government finally enacted a comprehensive anti-
cybercrime law, thirty years or so after the information age started.

The Philippine Anti-Cybercrime Law

The anti-cybercrime law known as "Republic Act 10175 –Cybercrime Prevention Act"
took effect in 2014. This act reinforces the existing E-commerce Law of 1988 against hacking
and online piracy. The Cybercrime Prevention Act penalizes the following:
1. illegal access
2. illegal interception
3. data interference or unauthorized alteration of computer data,
4. system interference or hindering of the functioning of a computer or network,
5. misuse of devices or the use of ICT devices for committing cybercrime,
 6. cyber squatting
7. computer related forgery
8. computer related fraud
9. identity theft
10. cybersex
11. child pornography
12. Aiding or abetting in the commission of cybercrime,
13. Attempt in the commission of a cybercrime.

Fake News

Fake news is not new. Internet simply provided a platform for its rapid spreading. Fake
news can be deliberate misinformation. This type of information is written with an intention to
trump up support for a certain politician or discredit another. This type of news is often shared
among groups of people with the same political orientation in social media. The intention is for
the fake news to be shared multiple times and serve as a political propaganda. Another type of
fake news is the “clickbait” or false headlines. The headline usually states an interesting fact but
the content says something different. The intention behind this is to drive internet traffic to a certain
site. Satire can be spread as real news as well especially for people who cannot see its humorous
nature. Satire news usually begin with an aspect of truth and then purposely twisted for humor.

In the Philippines spreading of fake news is not yet outlawed. This misconduct has far
reaching social and political implications. It can sway public opinion in favor or against
personalities, or policies. It is also used in history revisionism. Although fake news peddling is not
yet a crime, victims of such can file a libel suit against the offenders. One strong argument against
outlawing fake news in the country is the tendency of a state to use it against its critics.

For further learning watch “Fake News' explained: How disinformation spreads” at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fQdzVbQlaU

V. Summary

Crime and misconduct, just like any other good human activities have found its way
in the IT’s network. New laws were enacted to curb these so called crimes. Fake news
peddling however is not yet considered as a cybercrime in the country. It is perceived that
outlawing it might do more harm than good to a free society. Making deliberate fake news
however may still be considered as libel.
STS
STSModule
MODULE2-A
8

I. Topic: Biotechnology

Images from www.freepik.com, www.biorg.com

II. Objectives

After reading and doing the tasks in this module, you should be able to
A. Trace the development of biotechnology
B. Name the discoveries that advanced biotechnology
C. Discuss the societal concerns with biotechnology
D. Propose ways how to resolve ethical issues in biotechnology

III. Introduction

Biotechnology has its roots in an ancient way of food preparation. The advancement in
science and technology had opened up enormous possibilities to modern biotech. Some edge
cutting biotechnologies however raised some issues resulting to limits being set to its progress.
This module discusses the development of biotechnology and the issues of GMOs, and stem cell
research.

IV. Discussion
Development of Biotechnology
Biotechnology is the system and methodology of producing resultant products from raw
materials with the use of living organisms. The use of yeast, a living organism is one of the oldest
biotechnology. This process had been known to ancient people. In medicine, the first biotech
product is the penicillin. This drug is the first naturally occurring antibiotic from a mold (penicillium
notatum). It was accidentally discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928. It was around this time
that Gregor Mendel, an Austrian monk, discovered the basic laws of heredity and variation using
pea plants. Biotechnology entered its modern era when James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice
Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin discovered the double helix, twiste-ladder structure of
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in 1953. In 1970’s, modification of organisms at the genetic level
became a reality in what is now known as genetic engineering. DNAs that has been isolated from
different organisms are incorporated into a single molecule. This results to what is known as
GMOs (genetically modified organism).
Biotechnology has subspecialties that correspond to its field of applications. These
subspecialties are color coded. Red biotechnology is in the area of medicine, pharmacy and
health. Application of biotechnology in increasing agricultural yield is green biotech. White
biotechnology on the otherhand involves the use of living organisms in industries. Nutritional
enrichment of food products is assigned the yellow color. Gray biotechnology focuses on
applications on environmental remediation. The improvement of aquaculture and marine food
production falls under blue biotechnology. Crop modifications for arid land agriculture is brown
biotechnology. Biotechnolgy is also used in nano technology and this is subspecialty is gold
bitotechnology. When biotechnology‘s purpose is to harm like the development of bioweapons, it
is called dark biotechnology. There are a lot of legal and moral issues that could arise from
biotechnology and these are the concerns of violet or purple biotechnology.

Societal Concerns with Biotechnology

Society gets an enormous benefit form biotechnology. Despite the advantages that
biotechnology provides society, some concerns are being raised. The biggest concerns are the
environmental effects and the ethical questions of biotechnology. When crops are modified to
withstand pests and other elements such traits may be passed on to weeds. This process could
create super pests in the environment. In another scenario, living modified organisms (LMOs)
might leak out from laboratories or during transport. These organisms being foreign to the natural
environment can inflict damage to other spceies. Another aspect of the environmental threat
stems from GMO crops being favored by farmers. Since GMO crops give a high yield, farmers
will prioritize them over their native crops. This might lead to the neglect of the native crops and
may ultimaltely result to its extinction. On the otherhand, the ethical questions concerns the use
of human embryo in stem cell research. Many spiritual views consider human embryo as human
beings in their primary stage of development. People who don’t hold such view consider a human
embryo as lump of cell and may therefore be used for research.

International Regulations on Biotechnology

Biotechnology is rapidly changing due to advances in scientific and the sophistication of

instruments as well. The pace at which biotechnology is being developed far exceeds that of
regulatory changes thus creating issues. As mentioned earlier one of the issues is the
environmental hazard that living modified organism (LMO) might inflict once they leak out during
transport. To minimize the possibility of LMOs getting in the natural environment, the Cartagena
Protocol on Biosafety was enforced in 2003. It is an international regulatory charter for ensuring
safe transfer and handling of LMOs during trans-boundary movements. Another issue in
biotechnology is ownership. It is possible that an endemic species from one nation is the source
of DNA material used in developing certain products in another country. Who has the right over
the profit from the product? The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair
and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological
Diversity addresses this concern. It is a 2014 international agreement on fair and equitable
sharing of benefits from utilization of genetic resources.
 For further learning watch:

“Biotechnology: Genetic Modification, Cloning, Stem Cells,

and Beyond” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVf_ASEGuns

V. Summary

Biotechnology has a long way of development. At its present state, it is rapidly

advancing bringing more benefits to mankind but at the same time clashing with society’s
ethical standards in some aspects. Government policies and regulations should keep
pace with biotechnology so that a clear direction for its advancement will be in place.
STS
STSModule
MODULE2-A
9

I. Topic: Biodiversity

Images from www.theguardian.com, www.nyktimes.com

II. Objectives
After reading and doing the tasks in this module, you should be able to

A. Cite benefits of biodiversity

B. Discuss how anthropogenic activities threaten biodiversity
C. Draw a diagram showing the link between S&T, biodiversity and society’s worldview
D. Propose actions to mitigate biodiversity loss

III. Introduction
The natural environment had a great influence in the lives of the pre-historic and ancient
people. As society progressed people learned to utilize and even change the natural course of
their environment. Heidegger’s idea that modern technology is challenging forth has its evidence
in the present situation of biodiversity. Science has generated a lot of knowledge about
biodiversity and its conservation. Social institutions have enacted laws to protect it but still
biodiversity loss is accelerating. This lesson tackles the present condition of biodiversity.

IV. Discussion
Biodiversity or biological diversity is the sum and variability of species in a given area.
There are three levels of biodiversity: species diversity, genetic diversity and ecosystem diversity.
Species diversity is the variability of species in an area. Genetic diversity refers to the variability
among individuals of the same species. Lastly, ecosystem diversity refers to the variation of
ecosystems in a certain geographic location. Biological diversity is the result of biological
evolution. The differences among living things came about because of mutation, natural selection,
migration and genetic drift.
 Biodiversity in itself is good because its natural processes include natural services like
cleaning air and water, regulating climate, nutrient recycling, etc. People get something from it on
its natural existence. It gives people aesthetic and recreational benefits. Biodiversity also has
utilitarian value, it is something that is “good for”, it is a natural resource for food, wood, energy
and medicines.
Biodiversity is an indicator of the state of the natural environment. A highly diverse
environment means it is resilient. They can withstand natural stresses because the species there
have evolved together and are well adapted. A healthy ecosystem however has no match to
stresses caused by anthropogenic activities. The following threats to biodiversity are all related to
anthropogenic or human activities:

1. Habitat Loss or Destruction – This is the result of deforestation, quarrying, mining,

and land conversions.
2. Overexploitation of Resources – This is the harvesting of natural resources a rate
that nature can replenish. Examples of these are overhunting, overfishing and over
mining.
3. Invasive Alien Species – The introduction of non-native species to an ecosystem like
the releasing of exotic pets into the wild. Living modified organisms (LMOs) can be
invasive as well.
4. Pollution – The dumping of chemical and solid wastes in the environment are killing
animals and plants. A very serious type of marine pollution nowadays is plastic
pollution.
5. Climate Change – the drastic change in climate brought by global warming. The root
cause of this is human activities like carbon emission in the atmosphere. The rate of
change of climate nowadays is much faster than the species can adapt.

All the threats on biodiversity can be tied up to the use of modern technology by humans.
What Heidegger was fearing in the 1960’s is actually upon us. A land mark study by the United
Nations in 2019 show that biodiversity, the life supporting safety-net, is in great trouble. The report
says that around one million animal and plant species are threatened to extinction, many within
decades. Biodiversity has fallen by 20% since 1900. The study finds that human activities are
behind the nature’s decline. This is what happens when people regard the environment as a
resource (standing reserve), something that is “good for“. Science, since Darwin’s theory of
evolution has given us a lot of knowledge about how diversity in nature came about. Science has
the answers as well how to prevent further loss of biodiversity. Because of science, governments
around the world have enacted laws to conserve biodiversity. The extent of implementation
however varies with the economic condition of the country. Poorer countries like the Philippines
tend to be more neglectful of their natural resources. In the absence of full implementation of
environmental laws, the task of preserving the environment becomes a personal duty. There are
lots people can do to save biodiversity and they can start by simply living the good life.
 For further learning

Watch :

“Why is biodiversity so important?” at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK_vRtHJZu4

“Biodiversity is collapsing worldwide. Here's why”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cvMX82iwRM

Read:
UN Report: Nature Dangerous Decline “Unprecedented”; Species Extinction Rate
Increasing www.un.org.com

V. Summary

Society is using its natural environment at a rate much faster than it can recuperate
with the use of modern technology. As a result of this, biodiversity loss is accelerating with
many species going to extinction within decades. Society should live by what science has
taught them about the environment. There is a lot things an individual can do to help
preserve the environment. Pursuing a good life sums it all.
STS
STSModule
MODULE2 - A9

I. Topic: Climate Change

Images from www.phys.org.com, www.scitechdaily.com, www.youtube.com

II. Objectives
After reading and doing the tasks in this module, you should be able to
A. Discuss the nature and effects of climate change
B. Explain the different climate change mitigation and adaptation measures
C. Discuss the STS nature of climate action
D. Propose ways how to make personal contribution to climate action

III. Introduction
Climate change is currently the number one threat to biodiversity and ultimately to
humanity as well. It is the consequence of our excesses in the use of technology and utilization
of the natural resources since the industrial revolution. This module presents the scientific
explanation of climate change, its primary causes, and its effects.

IV. Discussion
The use of technology that emits greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is the primary
driver of climate change. This is compounded by the destruction of forests that help in absorbing
greenhouse gases. With greenhouses gases in the atmosphere, the earth could not radiate back
to space the heat that it absorbs from the sun. The heat is trapped in what is called the greenhouse
effect or blanket effect. So the earth warms and this rise in temperature triggers changes in climate
patterns. Over all the change in climate is faster than any point in the history of modern civilization.
From 1880 to 2012, the average rise in global temperature is 0.85 oC. The UN Intergovernmental
Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) considers a 1.5 oC change in global temperature a point of no
return. IPPC estimates that with current levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the global
temperature will continue to rise and by the end of the century may pass the 1.5 oC increase in
temperature.
The Effects of Climate Change
The effects of climate change are being felt already in different parts of the world. These
effects are: rise in sea level, increase in intensities of typhoons, prolonged droughts or rains,
increase in the acidity of sea water, wild fires, and biodiversity loss. Ultimately it’s the people who
will suffer most from climate change. Lives and livelihoods will be lost. Coastal communities will
be displaced by the rising sea level. Low lying agricultural lands in coastal areas will be inundated
by sea water making it unfit for farming. These effects will cause people to migrate raising the
possibility of social tensions in the areas they will go. The increase in the intensity of typhoons
puts the lives of the poor at more risk. Their houses are not strong enough to withstand very
strong winds. Moreover, the poor people are always settled in areas of greater hazards like along
rivers and flood zones.
Climate Change Mitigation
To slowdown climate change, efforts are focused at reducing the greenhouse gases in
the atmosphere. The most direct action that can address it is to cut emissions. In 1987, an
international agreement to cut industrial emission was agreed upon. This agreement was called
the Kyoto Protocol. Unfortunately some industrialized nations did not commit to this and some
pulled out even before its expiration. In 2016 another international agreement was launched, the
Paris Agreement on Climate change. This agreement calls for reduction in emission and
incentives to developing nations for cutting their emissions. It also commits to helping poor nation
adversely affected by climate change. Unfortunately, The US, one of the top greenhouse gas
emitters walked out of the agreement in 2019.
Shifting to renewable energy sources will also cut carbon emissions. At present the
following energy sources are being harnessed: solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, ocean currents,
and biomass. Solar energy is transformed to electricity by solar panels and solar plants. The
mechanical energy of wind, water, and ocean currents are converted to electricity by generators
in windmills and hydropower plants. Geothermal energy on the other hand is used to convert
water to steam to drive generators. The same energy transformation is done with biomass, the
thermal energy from burning biomass converts water to steam which powers the generators. So
far however renewable energy sources cannot match the generation outputs of fossil or nuclear
powered plants.
Another action that is being taken to cut carbon emission is reforestation. It is simply based
on the fact that trees absorb carbon. This however may not make an immediate impact because
it takes time for trees to grow. A promising option is carbon capture technology. This is a device
that capture emissions from factories right there from their emission chambers or from the air
itself. The problem is, carbon capture technologies are not yet mandatory. Without enforceable
emission reduction policies, the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will continue to rise and the
effects of climate change will continue to worsen.
Climate Change Adaptation
Minimizing the possible adverse effects of climate change to people is climate change
adaptation. Prompt evacuation of people from high risks areas during the typhoon season is one
example of adaptation. Relocating people along rivers and in flood zones is another one. Moving
the school calendar to avoid much of the typhoon season is adaptation also. Since the effects of
climate change vary from one region to another, climate change adaptation is local in nature.
 SDG Climate Action
Both mitigation and adaptation comprise the broader concept of climate action which is
the #13 sustainable development goal (SDG) of UN. SDG is comprised of 17 interconnected
goals. The SDGs are showing us once again the interconnection between science, technology
and other parts of society. Climate change, like many of the SDGs have a very strong connection
to science and technology that one might think S & T is the sole answer to the problem. It is not.
No matter how big S& T’s role could be, the right climate action has a social component. The role
of S & T in climate action is shown in figure 2.

Figure 2: S&T’s Role in Climate Action

Support on R &D
for solution
RESPONSE
Science To PROBLEM

Other
knowledge, Government sectors of
data, solutions society

Technology
Support on R &D
for solution /
innovations

The framework is based on the interaction between science, technology and other sectors of
society. It shows that when the problem is S & T related, science and technology should have a
big role on it. Science provides the facts, knowledge and data to the government and other
organizations. The government on the other hand provides science and technology the needed
resources for finding solutions to the problem. The government then consolidates all the effort

For further learning watch:

“What is Climate Change” at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcBXmj1nMTQ

“Climate-Change- We are the Problem & the Solution”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-D_Np-3dVBQ

“Renewable Energy 101 / National Geographic”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kUE0BZtTRc
V. Summary

Climate change is the biggest issue in our lifetime and currently we are in the crucial
moment. Climate change has started to affect us and as the global temperature rises its effects
worsen. The most direct action that can slowdown climate change is to cut carbon emissions.
There are technologies that can help in doing that like renewable energy facilities but as long
as there are no enforceable policy on emissions, those technologies will not be adopted. At
present climate change is highlighting the ever dynamic interactions between science,
technology and other sectors of society. The STS nature of climate change shows that climate
action should be a combination of scientific, technological and social actions.