How have technical and economic development led to more consumption of resources?
Technology is exploited for production of goods & services with optimal utilisation of resources. This is the process of technical development. The fruits of this activity will eventually lead to economic development as more and more people will be brought into the net of ‘affordability’ of goods & services. With the raised standards, consumers’ expectations and demand rise leading to more consumption. Technology once again plays the role of keeping the activity moving with ‘cheap and affordable’ pricing. Plenty of examples can be given. Centuries ago, making of cloth and garments were meager as per the low technology levels. Only rich could afford fine clothes and garments and they used to show off, like kings to their subjects. Now, with technology proliferating, the range and diversity is prolific and anyone can afford decent, well-cut garments. Another instance is ‘mobile’ communications. Proliferation of this technology (the technology per se, the goods on offer and the low cost)
