Issues: Emerging technologies

Emerging technologies

SGR produces a range of resources on the issue of 'Emerging technologies'. This covers a wide range of new and controversial technologies such as hydraulic fracturing (fracking), artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, climate/ geo-engineering, genetically-modified organisms and synthetic biology, and nanotechnologies. An explicit concern is the adequate application of the precautionary principle, and the possible alternatives to emerging technologies, including 'appropriate' technology and non-technological solutions such economic, political or social change.

Chardon Report IV - The Wheel of Health

Report IV, May 2002 
 

Chardon Report V - Concluding Comments

Report V, May 2002 
 

An Ethical Career in Science and Technology?

This booklet takes an initial look at issues such as climate change, arms, cleaner technology, militarisation of space, genetics, animal experiments, information technology, and science funding. In addition, it describes the experiences of working scientists and how they have dealt with many of these issues. Contributors include Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Sir Joseph Rotblat, inventor of the World-Wide-Web Dr Tim Berners-Lee, and the well-known commentator on biotechnology issues Dr Mae Wan Ho.

Edited by Stuart Parkinson and Vanessa Spedding; summer 2001

 

Risks to Health From The Consumption Of Genetically Modified Foods

Submission by Dr Eva Novotny, SGR, to the Royal Society, April 2001
 

Chardon LL Hearing - First stage response

SGR response to the Chardon LL Hearing, April 2000
 

SGR Position Statement on Genetically Modified Foodstuffs 1999

Compiled by the SGR National Co-ordinating Committee in June 1999
 

Genetics and Ethics

Summary of SGR Conference 1998, including presentations by Dr Mae Wan Ho and Prof Derek Burke
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Climate Engineering: A critical review of proposals, their scientific and political context, and possible impacts

This in-depth article discusses large-scale 'technical fixes' proposed for offsetting global warming, such as fertilisation of ocean algae, reflection of sunlight with stratospheric dust, or pumping liquid CO2 into the deep oceans. The paper considers the possible impact both on climatic feedback processes, and also on climate science and climate politics. It concludes by asking whether it is wise to continue such research.

Article by Ben Matthews, SGR.

November 1996