Nanotechnology- which enables the manipulation of matter at an atomic of molecular level, has been heralded as an innovative approach to improving energy and resource efficiency. However, in a recently released report, Friends of the Earth scrutinized the nanotechnology industry's claims that it can deliver energy efficient, inexpensive and environmentally sound solutions to problems such as climate change, resource depletion and pollution. The environmental group criticized the energy-intensive manufacture of nanomaterials such as carbon nanofibers which require up to 360 times more energy than smelting aluminum on an equal mass basis-saying that this will come with a higher overall energy cost where the goal is supposedly increased energy efficiency. People working in the nanotechnology industry have criticized this report saying that the new technology will bring environmental benefits as it develops. 'Nanotechnology is still an emerging area of science and innovation and as such one cannot expect it to be panacea to all ills including global warming and pollution. But it shows promise' said Professor Richard Owen, program coordinator for the UK Environmental Nanoscience Initiative. I agree with this last comment, it is a fairly new technology and granted not everything that comes out of new technology will be good, there will be surely some effect on the environment but I do think the benefits are bigger than the problems it can cause. The world is already incredibly reliable on oil, gas, and dangerous chemicals so this new nanotechnology won't really do much to help us lower our use of the three listed above, but like I said, it can prove to be helpful in the long run.
Link to site: http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_round_up/687110/industry_and_activists_clash_over_environmental_footprint_of_nanotechnology.html
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