1. Technological Environmental Change
Brooke Sturgis and carlie krEutzer

2. Intro
Technological innovation powered the economic expansion that began after World War II
Even within developed nations, postwar technological innovations did not benefit all classes, industries, and regions equally
Population growth and increased levels of migration and urbanization multiplied in numbers of acres farmed and factories, intensifying environmental threats

3. World economy
Increase in industrial productivity, reduced labor requirements, and improved market efficiency
New electronics developed rapidly
Vinyl records, CDs, MP3
Computers became faster and less expensive
Because of these advancements, the speed of news and data accelerated at an unanticipated rate, transforming business, education, and politics globally

4. Transnational corporation
The primary agent for technological advancements
The fast rate of advancements allowed them to invest directly in the mines, plantations, and public utilities of less developed regions
Many companies became transnational and international trade agreements and open markets furthered the process
Example of this is Ford, Nissan, BMW and many other car companies

5. Computers evolving
In the 1960s, the internet was the second key to the communication revolution.  
In the 1970s, most computing was done on large and expensive mainframe computers. 
In the last decade, new technologies have permitted the integration of previously distinct devices. 
One result of these technological revolutions is the appearance of plugged-in, self-identifying communities in venues like blogs or social media that supplement older forms of community based on ethnic, regional, or economic identities. 

6. Developing world
Industrial activity increased much more rapidly than the population grew, and the consumption of energy rose proportionally
The consumer-driven economic expansion of the post-World War II years became an obstacle to addressing environmental problems, since modern economies depend on an excessive consumption of goods and resources
When consumption slows, industrial nations enter a recession
An example of this was in 2008 with the destruction of Brazil’s virgin rain forest showing the threat to the environment caused by population growth

7. Population growth
Since 1945 population growth has been most dramatic in the developing countries, where environmental pressures have been extreme
Erosion and water pollution were an effect of the demand to expand food production because of the rapid deforestation and extension of farming that came with it
Many poor nations sought to stimulate industrialization because they believed that the transition from agriculture to manufacturing was the only way to provide for the rapidly growing populations

8. Responding to Environmental threats
There were many successful efforts to preserve and protect the environment that were passed in the U.S. in the 1970s as part of an environmental effort that included the European Community and Japan.
The Clean Air Act
The Clean Water Act
The Endangered Species Act
Political movements and the media encouraged environmental awareness, and most nations in the developed world enforced strict antipollution laws and sponsored massive recycling efforts.

9. Results of Environmental Efforts
Smog levels in the United States fell nearly a third from 1970 to 2000, even though the number of automobiles increased more than 80%.
Pollution controls on automobiles, planes and factory smokestacks reduced harmful emissions.
The Great Lakes, Long Island Sound, and Chesapeake Bay were all much cleaner at the beginning of the 2000s than they had been in 1970.
Since the 1990s, the rapid expansion of China's industrial sector was well as industrial growth in other developing nations like India and Brazil has put additional pressure on the environment.

10. All in all *you are my strength when I am weak*
Growing population and the developmental process have forced marginal lands into production and stimulated the exploitation of new resources.
As the world's population surpassed 6 billion and the largest cities reached 20 million, the need to produce raw materials and finished goods put tremendous tress on the environment.
New technologies and the wealth produced by economic expansion have allowed the world's richest nations to implement ambitious programs of environmental protection.

11. Critical thinking Question
Do you think modern technology is benefiting or damaging the environment?