Light and shadow of science and technology

By SHAUKAT ABDULRAZAK

Science and technology can drive economic growth, help solve social and environmental problems, and reduce poverty. Science and technology provides us with the knowledge and tools to understand how the world around us works and how to address many of the challenges in our environment.

Science and technology has revolutionised how we work, do business, gain knowledge and even how we enjoy our leisure tim,  making life faster and more flexible. More specifically science and technology has made a significant contribution in development of vaccines and medical therapies against infections like HIV, development of  early warning systems to prevent massive destruction in the case of calamities, like earthquakes and tsunamis, and many other technologies that improved different sectors of the economy.

While there are numerous advantages arising from its applications, science and technology have raised important ethical, safety and environmental concerns which need to be addressed. Global warming, terrorism and the spread of infectious diseases are some of the most urgent issues that have questioned the use of science and technology.

Science and technology has been misused to develop chemical and biological weapons for instance the nuclear bomb in Hiroshima and and recently used chemical weapons in Syria. While biological science helps us understand various biological processes in humans and animals, if not watched the research results in pathogens such as the deadly Anthrax which could cause massive destruction to property and loss of human life.

Negative impacts on the environment include land and water pollution arising from the use and overuse of chemicals, which when used appropiately, would otherwise be sources of various medicines to treat human diseases, depletion of the ozone layer due to the effect of pesticides, herbicides and aerosols leading to global warming which is linked to food insecurity in many countries. However,  the same products if used  approprietly can increase food productivity.

In seeking to ensure further progress in science and technology throughout the 21st Century, it is necessary to keep risks under control based on shared values, and to establish a common base for promoting science and technology.

The advancement of science and technology can no longer be tackled by individual countries because of their complex nature hence the need for a multinational approach requiring synergetic efforts from different actors including the scientific and research community, but also policy makers, business leaders and the media. Together with these barriers to access, scientific and technological benefits must trickle down to everyone in the society.

Fora for exchanging views on the latest discoveries and innovations in science and technology and their impact on humankind, as well as continued dialogue and knowledge sharing on how to develop mitigation mechanisms to counter the negative effects, is essential for the future of mankind.

One such forum is the annual science and technology for society forum in Kyoto, which I attended this year. It is important we set up such a forum in Kenya and the region.

All countries need to develop the capacity to produce and use science and technology themselves by adapting scientific knowledge to their needs and contexts while also focusing on the development of mitigation measures against the negative impacts. Societies also need to understand both the benefits and risks of emerging technologies, in order to maximise the benefits.

This calls for collective responsibility and partnership from policy makers, academia, researchers and the private sector.

As much as science and technology is expected to accelerate development, more emphasis must be laid upon the protection of the environment to provide for sustainable human development.  Environmental protection and economic development are mutually achievable and sustainable and through science and technology these two can be achieved.

At all costs, we must have focused and controlled scientific and technological applications lest we are destroyed by development.

Efforts must be made to ensure that progress towards development of science and technology continues while keeping the risks under control. 

The writer is the CEO, National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation.