9.1 Advances in Technology

Advances in Technology and Exchange

Technological Growth Post-1900

  • Population growth and globalization correlated with technological advances.
  • Early 1900s: Radio spread news and culture.
  • Later advancements: Air travel and shipping containers enhanced movement of people and goods.
  • Energy technologies (oil, nuclear power) lowered transportation costs.

Communication Evolution

  • Radio and television connected people globally long before the internet.
  • By the 1990s, mobile tech enabled personal information sharing.
  • Social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook) democratized media access.
  • Significant social movements (e.g., Arab Spring) catalyzed by social media.

Transportation Advancements

  • Daily, 2 million people fly; cargo planes operate continuously.
  • Giant tankers transport large quantities of goods; some too large for Panama Canal.

The Green Revolution

  • Emerged mid-20th century to combat hunger via improved crop yields.
  • Methods include crossbreeding for hybrids and genetic engineering.
  • Increased agricultural acreage; however, many small farmers unable to compete, causing increased land consolidation and job losses.
  • Environmental damage due to chemical use (fertilizers, pesticides).

Concerns Regarding Genetic Engineering

  • Potential impact on pollinator populations and loss of traditional seed varieties.

Energy Technologies

  • 1900: Coal dominated global energy; petroleum and natural gas joined later.
  • Development of nuclear energy from atomic bomb research post-World War II.
  • Fossil fuels: nonrenewable; cause pollution and greenhouse gases.
  • Nuclear power: cleaner but hazardous when accidents occur; only 5% of energy now.
  • Renewable energy sources (wind, solar) still represent only 5% of global output.

Medical Innovations

  • Antibiotics: Penicillin discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928; vital for treating infections especially during WWII, but overuse led to antibiotic-resistant strains.
  • Birth Control: Pill developed in the 1950s; resulted in lower fertility rates and changing gender roles. Over 300 million women used contraception by 2018.
  • Vaccines: Widespread distribution since 1900; eradicated smallpox, made diseases rare. Vaccines save millions annually but access remains an issue in remote areas.