Part A1 Describe The Term Technology Overshoot And Provide E

Part A1describethe Term Technology Overshoot And Provide Examplesd

Part A 1. Describe the term "technology overshoot" and provide examples. Describe how this sets up an industry for disruption.

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Technology overshoot refers to a situation where a society, industry, or individual exceeds the optimal or sustainable level of technological development or consumption, often driven by rapid innovation, competitive pressures, or the desire for increased productivity and progress. This phenomenon can lead to significant environmental, economic, and social consequences because the technological advancements surpass what is necessary or manageable, creating an imbalance that may result in resource depletion, environmental degradation, or economic instability.

One classic example of technology overshoot is the overuse of fossil fuels during the industrial revolution. The demand for energy drove the proliferation of coal and later oil consumption beyond sustainable levels, resulting in severe environmental pollution and contribution to climate change. Despite the technological convenience and economic growth these fuels provided, their overextension has led to long-term ecological challenges, demonstrating how technological overshoot can have detrimental side effects.

Another example can be found in the over-manufacturing of electronic devices, such as smartphones and computers. The rapid cycle of innovation encourages consumers to upgrade frequently, leading to massive electronic waste and resource depletion in the extraction of rare earth minerals. This pattern exemplifies overshoot, where technological saturation outpaces societal capacity to manage its consequences efficiently.

Technology overshoot sets the stage for industry disruption by creating vulnerabilities within established systems. When technological development surpasses societal or environmental limits, it often results in failures, crises, or the need for fundamental changes. For example, the economic reliance on fossil fuels has resulted in geopolitical tensions, climate crises, and a push for renewable energy alternatives, disrupting traditional energy industries. The disruption occurs as innovative solutions—such as solar and wind power—enter the market, offering sustainable replacements and challenging existing infrastructures.

In particular, industries that experience overshoot face pressure to innovate or adapt rapidly to avoid collapse or obsolescence. As consumers and regulators become increasingly aware of environmental and social costs, industries that have overshot sustainable levels are forced to pivot toward greener, more sustainable technologies. The transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles exemplifies such industry disruption driven by environmental overshoot.

In conclusion, technological overshoot signifies a critical point where technological advancements surpass sustainability thresholds, setting the stage for industry-wide upheavals. It compels industries to innovate, adopt sustainable practices, and rethink long-term strategies to maintain viability in an evolving landscape.

References

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- Blowers, A., & Eckersley, R. (2002). Modern Environmentalism: An Introduction. Routledge.

- Newman, P., & Jennings, I. (2008). Luratopia: Creating Sustainable and Livable Cities. CSIRO Publishing.

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- Rockström, J., et al. (2009). A safe operating space for humanity. Nature, 461(7263), 472–475.