In his book, Technology's Promise*, Bill Halal suggests that desalination will be mainstream by 2020. Earlier this year strides were made towards this goal by a UCLA research team that created the mini-mobile-modular (M3) "smart" water desalination and filtration system. What is especially remarkable about the M3 is that is that this mobile unit can adapt to the water source - whether it is ocean water or brackish groundwater; M3 can produce enough drinking water for 6,000 to 12,000 people per day!
The M3 was a huge break through in creating a portable means for providing clean water to areas in need. It looks like the UCLA team created the M3 as a testing tool for different water samples, but the portabilty of the unit and the ability to work with many different water types may make it a saleable product? (full story at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713144124.htm)
*Halal, W. (2008). Technology's Promise: Knowledge on the Transformation of Business and Society. Palgrave Macmillan, NY.
I think that's great but, it causes me great concern since humanity as a whole has done such a poor job, thus far, to preserve the very same environment which allows us to continue our discovery of the world’s gifts.
ReplyDeleteI am a bit worried to forecast the future and the impact of such technology. I understand the need for water. I think that’s our own fault however, baring the obvious barren lands where water is almost non-existent. Look at what we’ve done to our lakes. I think you see where I'm going with this. We’re dropping so much toxicity into the oceans already. You’re probably well positioned to know this up-close and personal. I don’t want to even imagine what excessive desalinization would do. OK, so you’ll say that 70% of the planet is covered with it. There is enough evidence today to have a clue about what this could do for us long term.
Are we going to do with this what we've done with oil? Who knows what else might come out of that great technological advance.
I'm always in awe at our lack of consideration for the causality of our actions in favor of advancement. It makes me question why we call ourselves "advanced civilization". Jokes aside, I think our haste to embrace technology and cool ideas is understandable but too aggressive and, of little consideration for tomorrow's generations. Look at the mess we're in with the internet. Look at how slow we have been in adjusting the software development and implementation processes to accommodate the cyber threats we knew were coming our way.
I wonder why we don’t hear much in terms of technological breakthroughs as far as recycling, disposal of waste and purification of water without the pollution left behind. I’m no sanitation engineer but am certainly curious why this very crucial concept has such a low profile. What about technology that would allow productive life in deserts? Not something Saudi Arabian style where some biosphere allows control of the climate which, oh by the way, generates more waste. I’m talking about something akin to what is suggested in the very thought provoking 1984 movie “Dune”. Apparently, another release is due for 2010. I won’t miss it. It should be a great display of Futuring and Innovation!