“Technology” means the impact on the environment per unit of affluence. E.g. emissions per unit of GDP. It goes beyond the technologies that produce affluence. Factors that influence how such technology is developed and used e.g. social institutions are also included.

For simplicity’s sake, I will be covering technology as it is; infrastructures that enable resources to be used.

Technological advancements could be beneficial.

• ExxonMobil has a goal of reducing high global average temperature to only 2^oC above pre-industrial levels (2^oC pathway). They discovered that technological advancements are needed to lower the cost needed to drive their goal.

• Singapore aspires towards energy efficiency, where Research & Development will lead to technological improvements and a more effective production. If so, environmental benefits from such productive operations can be realised e.g. lower emissions. For instance, we are exploring the use of solar energy for energy production as they lead to zero emissions.

• It can also be used to reduce our energy consumption. E.g. smart homes enables consumers to monitor and reduce their energy usage. This has been explored in Singapore as well.

Technology could also be used detrimentally as well…

Refer to data examined by Dietz and Rosa (1997), Table 1.

As seen above, technology multiplier for Singapore = + 1.36. What does this mean? The researchers explained that this means that we emit 1.36x more carbon dioxide than what is expected from our 2 other variables: population and affluence.

• Singapore is a key regional port for oil refining and petrochemical plants. Their operations contribute majority of our emissions.

Our emphasis on the energy sector can be seen from our recent opening of 430 million-litre lubricant plant in 2017. Refer to the info-graphic below to see the technological advancements in this state-of-the-art plant. Lubricants are made of oil and other additives. Hence, this could drive up oil processing in future and increase emissions.

However, improved technology could lead to better oil performance. It might conversely, reduce oil consumption and emissions in the long run.

Hence, the effect of technology is to our harm or benefit, depending on how we use it.