Technology causes environmental damage<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Advances in science and technology have caused a
\ndegradation of the natural environment, former environment
\nminister Emil Salim said on Saturday.<\/p>\n
\"Modern technology like air conditioners, pesticides and motor
\nvehicles could lead to the destruction of humanity,\" Emil said at
\na seminar on the environment and development.<\/p>\n
The one-day seminar, attended by some 200 participants, was
\norganized by the Center for Human Resources and Environmental
\nResearch of the University of Indonesia in cooperation with the
\nAssociation of the National Heroes' Families and the Jakarta city
\ngovernment, Antara reported.<\/p>\n
The use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in air conditioners and
\nrefrigerators was damaging the ozone layer, Emil said. \"Damage to
\nthe ozone layer will bring the sun's rays to earth without any
\nfiltering,\" he said, adding that the unfiltered rays would cause
\nskin cancer and cataracts.<\/p>\n
The use of pesticides in farming would increase the level of
\nsoil acidity and cause the death of worms and other living
\norganisms which had provided natural fertilizer in the past, he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
The use of fossil fuels in vehicles, such as benzene and
\ndiesel fuel, caused air pollution in big cities and affected the
\nhuman respiratory system, he said.<\/p>\n
The former minister proposed the enactment of an environmental
\ncode of ethics in the application of science and technology to
\nstop further destruction.<\/p>\n
An aide to the current environment minister who also spoke at
\nthe seminar, Budhi Santoso, said advances in technology had
\nenhanced people's mobility, which was, in turn, breaking down
\ntheir sense of responsibility and care towards the environment.<\/p>\n
People living in big cities and industrial centers had to live
\nin apartments or in barren circumstances that were not friendly
\nto the environment, he said. (imn)<\/p>",
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"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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