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Employing Geoethics to Avoid Negative Nanotechnology Scenarios in Developing Countries

Guido David Núñez-Mujica

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Dematerialization and recycling are two pillars of the potentially sustainable use of resources. Given the contemporary state of technology, this remains just a possibility. Yet given certain state of the art developments, it is possible to envision scenarios where this possibility may become a reality and provide more efficient recycling and even greater dematerialization.

One of the necessary elements for a better and truly sustainable use of resources could be advanced nanotechnology; the ability to manipulate matter at the molecular level. As proposed by Eric Drexler of the Foresight Institute [1], nanoassemblers would make the manufacturing of almost every commodity feasible (including food, Mujica solar panels, clothes and tools, all from raw materials), molecule by molecule, making an almost perfect recycling system possible. Even if these nanoassemblers prove impossible to create, nanotechnology remains promising for incremental achievements in dematerialization and recycling rates. Carbon nanotubes are being regarded as the fundamental building blocks of new technologies ranging from energy storing to microprocessors. When it is possible to manufacture and manipulate nanotubes on a commercial scale, the substitution of heavier and scarce materials with nanotube-based materials will boost dematerialization. Nanotube construction, purported to be incredibly strong and durable, may replace many metals.

Image 1 shows a logarithmic graph that plots the use of materials in the United States during the 20th Century.[2] Looking closely at the pattern of the materials’ importance, we recognize that the logarithmic plot and its apparent lineal trends are in fact exponential, including the decreasing importance of certain materials.

GDP
Image 1: U.S. Materials Intensity of Use

This fact may be due to the exponential growth of other sectors of the economy responsible for the bulk of the growth of the Gross Domestic Product. Although greater data is necessary to form a more accurate projection, this trend could be analyzed with Kurzweil’s Law of Accelerating Returns [3].

The environmental effects of Nanotechnology do not stop with greater dematerialization and better recycling which leads to less mining. New techniques in energy efficient nanosolar panels are projected to produce a great energy savings as they will create less of a dependency on oil and other non-renewable energy sources, such as coal and natural gas. This will end the dependence of developed countries on their energy suppliers, which have traditionally been developing countries. This change in the pattern of energy consumption will have a great impact upon many countries whose main trading good is oil. Many others, who depend heavily on the exportation of raw materials and agriculture as main commerce activities, will also be affected.

Plainly stated, the diminishing need for raw materials will create possible threats to developing world economies as raw materials and non-renewable energy consumption decreases. If a developing country has nothing to trade, how will they be able to afford nanotechnology or even the most basic items needed for a modern society?

Footnotes
1. The Foresight Institute is the leading think tank and public interest institute on nanotechnology. Founded in 1986, Foresight was the first organization to educate society about the benefits and risks of nanotechnology. At that time, nanotechnology was a little-known concept. http://www.foresight.org/ June 21, 2006 4:45PM EST (back to top)

2. Wernick et al. “Materialization and Dematerialization: Measures and Trends” Daedalus 125(3):171-198 (Summer 1996) June 21, 2006 3:33PM EST (back to top)

3. Ray Kurzweil, author and inventor, is a leading resource on artificial intelligence. He has received twelve honorary Doctorates and honors from three U.S. presidents. He has received seven national and international film awards. His book, The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology, was published by Penguin Books, New York, in 2005. Kurzweil Technology web site. June 21, 2006 5:00PM EST (back to top)

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