Study Assignments HUV101 PDF

Translated from Swedish to English - www.onlinedoctranslator.com Study assignments, HUV101 November 4, 2024 Study tasks Here are a number of study assignments that y...

Translated from Swedish to English - www.onlinedoctranslator.com Study assignments, HUV101 November 4, 2024 Study tasks Here are a number of study assignments that you can work on during the course. The assignments are of different nature, some are factual questions and definitional questions while others are more of an investigative nature where you need to figure out the answer yourself. What they have in common is that they are based on the course objectives for the course Sustainable Development, HUV101. To help you with the study assignments: The course literature Sustainable Development – Quality of Life, Behavior and Technology (Gulliksson and Holmgren), Powerpoint from lectures and your own notes. If you have any questions, please ask other course participants, otherwise you can discuss with us. Good luck with your work! /Anna and Håkan Chapter “The Sustainable Society – An Overview” 1. Draw a cross-sectional sketch of the Earth and the atmosphere, placing the following spheres: The biosphere: Answer: The area on Earth where life occurs includes land, water and parts of the atmosphere. Troposphere: Answer: The lowest layer of the atmosphere (up to about 10 km), where weather and climate are formed. The stratosphere: Answer: A layer in the atmosphere above the troposphere (10–50 km from the Earth's surface) where the ozone layer is located. 2. About 600 million years ago, scientists say that the conditions for life were about the same as they are today, with decomposition and cycles functioning fully. Describe why the conditions for life existed and why decomposition and cycles functioned fully. Answer: The conditions for life existed thanks to water, oxygen and other essential elements. Biological processes and natural cycles recycled nutrients, creating a stable environment in which organisms could live and develop. 3. About 400 million years ago, scientists say that it was then possible for life on land (above the water surface and outside caves). Describe why. Answer: The conditions for life on land developed when plants and fungi colonized land masses. These organisms were able to produce oxygen, create soil, and form shelter for other organisms, making an ecosystem above the water surface possible. Study assignments, HUV101 November 4, 2024 4. We began to pay attention to anthropogenic environmental problems around the same time as the Industrial Revolution (around the mid-18th century onwards). Describe what is meant by anthropogenic environmental problems. Also give examples of anthropogenic environmental problems. Answer: Anthropogenic environmental problems are environmental damage caused by human activity. Examples include air pollution, deforestation, and climate change. 5. In 1987, the Brundtland Commission, commissioned by the UN, presented the report Our Common Future. To achieve the title of the report, it was said that we must focus on Sustainable Development. In this task, you will answer the following questions: a. What is the definition of sustainable development? Answer: Definition: A development that meets today's needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. b. The concept of "need" recurs in the definition, describe what "need" could be that can be linked to the definition of sustainable development. Answer: Need for basic resources such as food, water, energy and shelter. c. Sustainable is connected with two concepts, what are these two concepts? Answer: The two concepts are Long-term and Sustainable Follow-up question to 5c. Using these two concepts, how could you explain what sustainable development means? Answer: Sustainable development means using resources in a sustainable way so that there is no need to use more resources than necessary, which will result in a longer-term opportunity for development within society and the world. 6. The course literature mentions the concept of “strong sustainability.” In this assignment, you will answer the following questions: a. Describe in your own words what the concept of “strong sustainability” means. Answer: Strong sustainability means that natural capital (e.g. forests, water, biodiversity) cannot be fully replaced by human or technological capital. Natural resources must be preserved for future generations because they cannot be regenerated if lost. b. How could a definition of Sustainable Development be described based on “strong sustainability”? Describe this. Answer: The definition of sustainable development based on strong sustainability emphasizes that we must conserve and protect natural resources without relying on technology to replace them. Study assignments, HUV101 November 4, 2024 7. The course literature mentions the concept of “weak sustainability”. The authors mention four variants of capital for this concept. In this assignment, you must answer the following questions: a. Describe in your own words what “weak sustainability” means Answer: Weak sustainability means that natural resources (natural capital) can be replaced by other types of capital, such as economic or technological capital. As long as we can compensate for the consumption of natural resources with technical or economic solutions, sustainability is considered to be achieved. b. There are four different types of capital for weak sustainability. Name these and describe in your own words the meaning of each type of capital. Response: The four types of capital: 1.Natural capital: Natural resources and ecosystem services that provide resources and support for life on Earth. 2.Human capital: People's knowledge, health and skills. 3.Social capital: Networks, norms and trust that enable cooperation in society. 4.Economic capital: Financial resources and physical assets. c. How could a definition of Sustainable Development be described based on “weak sustainability”? Describe this. Answer: A definition of sustainable development based on weak sustainability means that we can use and replace natural capital with other types of capital (such as economic or technological capital) to achieve a balance and continue to develop without reducing overall prosperity. 8. Natural resources are divided into two main groups, renewable and non-renewable. In this question, you should describe what distinguishes them. Think about the big picture. Response: Renewable resources: Resources that are naturally regenerated within a short period of time, such as solar energy, wind power and biomass. Non-renewable resources: Resources that take millions of years to form and therefore cannot be recreated in human time, such as fossil fuels and minerals. 9. Politicians have an important role in the work of achieving Sustainable Development. It is often said that long- term thinking is important political decisions. In this question you should answer the following questions: a. The authors of the course literature write that Sustainable Development must be implemented at different levels. Describe what the authors mean by this. Study assignments, HUV101 November 4, 2024 Answer: The authors believe that sustainable development must be integrated at the international, national and local levels to create a unified strategy. b. There are various so-called tools that politicians can use to achieve political goals. The authors mention three different tools. Name these. Briefly describe what each one means (here you may need to use sources other than the course literature). Answer: The tools are: 1.Legislation (Rules and laws that prohibit or restrict certain actions to protect the environment, such as emission limits or bans on plastic bags.) 2.economic instruments (such as taxes and subsidies) 3.Information/education. (Dissemination of knowledge through campaigns or training to raise awareness and promote sustainable choices, such as recycling or energy saving.) c. It is often said that politicians can use the carrot, the stick and the sermon. Describe what these three concepts mean (here you may need to use sources other than the course literature). Answer: Whip, carrot, and sermon: Whip involves sanctions for negative behaviors, carrot is incentive for positive behavior, and sermon is information and education to change behaviors. 10. Engineers have an important role in the work of achieving Sustainable Development. Sometimes the role of engineers is guided by political decisions. It is often said that engineers have solutions. However, sometimes the solutions can go wrong, there can simply be other problems. In this task you should answer the following: a. Name two different areas in which engineers have an important role in achieving Sustainable Development. Answer: Two areas: Energy efficiency and water purification. b. Describe these two areas why the engineer has an important role. Answer: Engineers play an important role in energy efficiency by developing energy- efficient solutions and in water purification through technologies that purify polluted water, contributing to a sustainable society. c. Is there any risk that other problems will arise with what you mentioned in 10a and 10b? If so, describe why. If not, describe why. Answer: Risk of new problems: Yes, new solutions can cause unwanted effects, such as chemicals from water purification processes that can affect other parts of the ecosystem. Study assignments, HUV101 November 4, 2024 Chapter “Socially sustainable” 1. The authors of the course literature have formulated a definition of Social Sustainability. In this assignment you will answer the following questions: a. If we continue to use the authors' definition of Social Sustainability, how is the definition formulated? Answer: A socially sustainable society is fair, equal, inclusive and democratic. It guarantees a reasonable quality of life for current and future generations. b. The first sentence of the definition mentions four concepts. Briefly describe the meaning of these. Answer: Four concepts in the first sentence of the definition: 1. Fair: That everyone has equal access to society's resources and opportunities. 2. Equal: Everyone has the same value and rights, without discrimination. 3. Inclusive: Everyone is allowed to participate and contribute to society, no one is left out. 4. Democratic: Everyone has the right to influence decisions that affect society. c. Follow-up question to 1b. Describe why these four concepts are important for achieving social sustainability? Answer: These concepts are fundamental to building a stable society where individuals feel safe, engaged, and included, which reduces social tensions and increases the quality of life. 2. Figure 3.1 in the course literature mentions 18 networks that illustrate factors in social sustainability. Choose five of these and describe why they are important for achieving Social Sustainability. Response: 1. Education: Education gives individuals the opportunity to develop and contributes to economic and social mobility. 2. Health: Good health is fundamental to an individual's well-being and ability to participate in society. 3. Work: A stable working life provides security and the opportunity to contribute financially and socially. 4. Housing: Safe housing creates stability for individuals and families. 5. Culture: Culture contributes to identity and togetherness and promotes diversity and openness. 3. Within Social Sustainability, the concept of “basic needs” is often mentioned. Describe what the concept means in achieving Social Sustainability. Answer: Basic needs include access to food, water, health, education, security and social inclusion. Meeting these needs is central to creating a socially sustainable society where all individuals can live a dignified and active life. Study assignments, HUV101 November 4, 2024 4. War, poverty, illiteracy are considered socially unsustainable. Describe why. Answer: War, poverty and illiteracy create inequality, exclude individuals from society and weaken social structures, which counteracts social sustainability and worsens the quality of life for large groups in society. 5. The course literature mentions eight character values for achieving sustainable policies in the work to achieve Social Sustainability. Choose three of these character values and describe why they are important in Social Sustainability. Response: 1. Transparency: Openness creates trust and makes it easier for citizens to understand and accept political decisions. 2. Justice: Treating all citizens equally and fairly is important for social cohesion. 3. Responsibility: Decision-makers must act responsibly to ensure long-term positive effects for the whole of society. 6. Why is democracy considered important in a socially sustainable society? Describe. Answer: Democracy gives people the opportunity to participate in decision-making and influence the development of society, which creates commitment, responsibility and a sense of participation in the social structure. 7. Choose any example of welfare and describe why this is important in Social Sustainability. Answer: Healthcare: Accessible and high-quality healthcare is important for ensuring good health and quality of life, which strengthens social cohesion and security. 8. Education, sense of justice, good health, work and leisure are important in Social Sustainability. Describe why. Response: 1. Education: Gives people knowledge and skills that help them get better jobs and understand society better. 2. Team spirit: Creates cohesion and increases cooperation within society. 3. Good health: Important for individuals' well-being and for being able to contribute to society. 4. Work: Provides financial security and a sense of meaning. 5. Leisure: Contributes to personal development and relaxation, which improves the quality of life. 9. Think about how engineering can contribute to achieving social sustainability. Then, summarize your thoughts and write them down. Answer: Engineers can create solutions that make society better for everyone. They can build sustainable houses, improve roads and transportation, and ensure that everyone has equal opportunities. Study assignments, HUV101 November 4, 2024 access to essential services such as water, electricity and internet. In this way, they help create a fair and functioning society for all. Chapter “Ecologically sustainable” 1. The term ecology originates from the Greek words oikos and logos. Describe what ecology means. Answer: Ecology is the study of how animals, plants and other living things are related to each other and their environment, and how they affect each other in nature. 2. The concepts of photosynthesis and respiration (cellular respiration) are important functions in an ecosystem. Describe the difference between photosynthesis and respiration (cellular respiration). Response: 1. Photosynthesis: Plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using solar energy. 2. Respiration: Process in which organisms use oxygen to convert glucose into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. 3. In this task you must answer the following questions about fossil energy. a. What forms of fossil energy exist and what is the major difference between them. Answer: The forms of fossil energy are coal, oil and natural gas. The differences lie in their composition, uses and energy content: 1.Carbon: Solid energy source used primarily to produce electricity and heat. 2.Oil: Liquid energy source that is processed into gasoline, diesel and other products. 3.Natural gas: Gaseous energy source used for heating, electricity generation and as vehicle fuel. These energy sources also differ in how much carbon dioxide they emit when burned, with natural gas being the least environmentally harmful of the three. b. Describe how fossil energy is formed and also weave into your description the time aspect of formation. Answer: Fossil energy is formed from organic materials that have been stored for millions of years, exposed to pressure and heat in the Earth's crust. 4. Ecology is built on four basic principles. Name these and summarize each one. Response: Study assignments, HUV101 November 4, 2024 1.Cycle: Nature's way of recycling substances, such as the circulation of water or nutrients in an ecosystem. 2.Energy conversion: Energy is transferred and transformed in ecosystems, from the sun to plants (photosynthesis) and on to animals. 3.Diversity: Variety of species and ecosystems that makes nature more stable and resilient to change. 4.Adaptation: The ability of organisms to change over time to better survive in their environment. 5. Ecology can be divided into different main perspectives. Describe the following two main perspectives within ecology: population ecology and systems ecology. Response: 1. Population ecology: Focuses on how populations of species grow, decline, and interact with their environment, for example through competition, predation, and reproduction. 2. Systems ecology: Studies how energy and nutrients flow through entire ecosystems, for example between producers, consumers and decomposers, to understand ecosystem function. 6. What does it mean that solar energy drives ecosystems? Answer: The sun is the primary energy source for photosynthetic organisms, which drives the flow of energy through the ecosystem. 7. Food chains are an important aspect of an ecosystem. Describe what is meant by food chains in an ecosystem. Answer: A food chain describes the transfer of energy and nutrients from producers (plants) to consumers (animals) and on to top consumers. 8. Summarize in your own words what is meant by energy flow in an ecosystem. Answer: Energy flow in an ecosystem means that energy comes from the sun, is absorbed by plants (producers) and then passes on to animals (consumers). At each step, some of the energy is lost as heat. 9. An ecosystem is made up of organic and inorganic substances. Describe the difference between organic and inorganic substances using examples of each. Answer: Organic substances contain carbon and are found in living organisms, while inorganic substances, such as water and minerals, lack carbon in their structure. 10. Cycles are important in an ecosystem. Describe, using an example of your choice, what cycles mean. Answer: One example is the water cycle, where water evaporates, condenses into rain, and returns to the ground, where it is used by plants and animals. Study assignments, HUV101 November 4, 2024 11. It is often said that the biodiversity of an ecosystem is important for the whole of an ecosystem. Describe what biodiversity means and why it is important for an ecosystem. Answer: Biodiversity means the variety of species and ecosystems and is important for maintaining the stability and function of ecosystems. High biodiversity makes ecosystems more resilient to change, disease and disturbance. If biodiversity decreases, it can lead to the disruption or disappearance of important functions, such as pollination and the purification of water and air. 12. In this task, you must answer the following questions related to environmental problems. a. Describe why an environmental problem arises using an example of your choice. Answer: Plastic pollution – plastic debris can harm marine organisms and disrupt ecosystems. b. Based on your example in the previous question, describe how the environmental problem affects an ecosystem. Answer: Plastic pollution negatively affects wildlife and disrupts the balance of the ecosystem. Animals can mistake plastic for food, which can lead to choking, digestive system damage, or death. When animal populations decline, the entire food chain is affected and the stability of the ecosystem is threatened. 13. Non-renewable natural resources are usually referred to by another term, which one? Describe the meaning of this and give at least three examples. Answer: Non-renewable natural resources are also usually called exhaustible resources. This term is used because these resources, such as coal, oil and minerals, are available in limited quantities and take millions of years to form, meaning they can run out if used too quickly. 14. When discussing renewable natural resources, it is important to think about how we use them, so divide them into two groups, what they are and explain with your own words the differences so that someone who is not familiar with this understands what you mean. Also give examples for each. Answer: Divided into flowing (such as solar energy) and storage resources (such as biomass). The difference is that flowing resources are constantly available, while storage resources can be depleted if they are used faster than they are renewed. 15. Ecological footprint is a tool that is sometimes used to compare the environmental impact of countries. Describe what ecological footprint means. Answer: A measure of how much resources a population uses in relation to what nature can renew. Study assignments, HUV101 November 4, 2024 16. Professor Johan Rockström and his research group often use the concept of planetary boundaries in their research. Using an example, describe what the concept of planetary boundaries means. Answer: According to Rockström, planetary boundaries are the thresholds we should not exceed to avoid serious environmental changes. An example is carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. 17. A common tool that engineers use in, for example, product development, is life cycle assessment (LCA). Describe what the term LCA means and how engineers use the results of an LCA. Answer: LCA evaluates a product's environmental impact from raw materials to waste management, which engineers use to make products more sustainable. 18. In environmental ethics, it is common to use the concepts of anthropocentric environmental ethics, biocentric environmental ethics and ecocentric environmental ethics. Describe the difference between these three environmental ethical principles. Response: 1. Anthropocentric: Definition: Human needs and interests are at the center. Nature has value only to the extent that it is useful to humans. Example:Protect forests because they provide resources and ecosystem services that benefit humans. 2. Biocentric: Definition:All living beings have intrinsic value, regardless of their usefulness to humans. Example:Preserve animal and plant species for their own sake, not just for their benefit to humans. 3. Ecocentric: Definition:All nature and ecosystems have intrinsic value. The balance of the ecosystem is more important than individual species or individuals. Example:Protect entire ecosystems such as rainforests or wetlands to maintain the balance and function of nature. 19. Think about how the engineer can contribute to achieving ecological sustainability. Then, summarize your thoughts and write them down. Answer: Engineers play a central role in achieving ecological sustainability by developing and implementing solutions that contribute to reduced emissions, increased energy efficiency, and the preservation of ecosystems. Chapter “Economically sustainable” 1.What is the definition of economics? Answer: Economics is about managing scarce resources and making choices within narrow limits. Study assignments, HUV101 November 4, 2024 2.Usually, there are three economic questions that govern the economy. However, we should add a fourth question. In this task, you will answer the following questions. a. What does the fourth question say? Answer: Who owns and has control over the resources needed to manufacture and sell the goods? b. The fourth question mentions the concept of resources. Describe what resources mean. Answer: Resources are assets used for production, such as labor (human effort and knowledge), raw materials (natural resources such as forests and metals), and capital (machinery, money, and technology). c. Follow-up question to question 2b. How can engineers contribute to making the use of resources more efficient? Answer: Engineers can contribute by developing resource-efficient technologies and improving production efficiency. 3.Growth is a central concept in economics. Describe from a historical perspective what economic growth means. Answer: Historically, it means increased production and consumption, which is often linked to increased welfare. 4.Is economic growth linked to environmental problems? If so, why? If not, why? Answer: Yes, economic growth often leads to increased resource consumption and waste. 5.The authors of the course literature are discussing how a sustainable economic system can be formulated. Describe how. Answer: Means an economy that operates within the planet's boundaries and preserves natural capital. 6.Follow-up question to question 5. How can engineers contribute to achieving a sustainable economic system? Describe using an example. Answer: For example, by designing energy-efficient buildings or products. 7.The rebound effect is closely linked to economic growth. There are three types of rebound effect. In this task, you will answer the following questions. a. Describe what recoil effect means. Answer: Recoil effect is when improved efficiency leads to increased consumption instead of the expected reduction. There are three types of recoil effects: 1.Direct recoil effect–When more efficient technology makes it cheaper to use a product, leading to increased use. 2.Indirect recoil effect–When cost savings from efficiency are used for other consumption. 3.Technology-driven recoil effect–When new technology creates new needs and increases demand Study assignments, HUV101 November 4, 2024 b. Does the rebound effect affect ecological sustainability? If so, describe why. If not, describe why. Yes, the rebound effect can counteract sustainability gains. When more efficient technology reduces costs and increases consumption, overall resource consumption and environmental impact can increase rather than decrease. This hinders progress towards ecological sustainability. 8.In economics, balance, supply and demand are common concepts. But there is another one and that is the equilibrium price, describe what the concept means. Answer: Equilibrium price: The price at which demand and supply are in balance. 9.GDP is a measure used in economic forecasts for countries. In this assignment, you will answer the following questions. a. Describe what GDP means and what the concept is based on. Answer: GDP (Gross Domestic Product) measures the value of all goods and services produced in a country in a year. It is used to compare economic growth. b. Is ecological sustainability taken into account in calculating GDP? If so, describe how. If not, describe why. Answer: No, ecological sustainability is not directly taken into account in the calculation of GDP. GDP only measures economic activity and the value of production, but does not include negative environmental impacts such as emissions, natural resource consumption or environmental degradation. This allows countries to have high GDP growth despite damaging the environment, as GDP does not distinguish between sustainable and unsustainable economic activities. 10.In environmental economics, the concept of externalities comes up quite often. Describe what externalities mean. Answer: Externalities are costs or benefits that arise from production or consumption but are not included in the market price. They often affect third parties who are not directly involved in the transaction. An example is environmental pollution from industrial emissions, where society has to bear the cost of cleanup and health problems. 11.Follow-up question to question 10. Can engineers help reduce externalities? If so, describe how. If not, describe why. Answer: Yes, engineers can help reduce externalities by developing technical solutions that reduce negative environmental impacts. Examples of this include creating more energy-efficient processes, improved purification systems, and sustainable products that cause less emissions or waste. Study assignments, HUV101 November 4, 2024 12.The tragedy of the commons is another concept that comes up quite often in environmental economics. In this assignment, you will answer the following questions. a. Describe what the concept of universal tragedy means. Answer: The tragedy of the commons is when common resources, such as water, air, or fishing grounds, are overexploited by individuals acting in their own interests without considering the good of the whole. This leads to the destruction or depletion of the resources, because no individual is responsible for protecting them. b. Can engineers help reduce public tragedy? If so, describe how. If not, describe why. Answer: Yes, engineers can help reduce global tragedies by developing sustainable technologies, resource monitoring systems, and efficient solutions that regulate and conserve resources. They can also create systems to monitor resource use and improve recycling and efficiency. 13.In the previous question you described GDP. Environmental economists argue that MNP would be a better tool in the work of calculating a country's economic forecast. In this task you will answer the following questions. a. What does MNP mean? Answer: MNP (Environmentally Adjusted National Product): A measure that includes environmental costs and is considered better than GDP. b. Why do environmental economists think that MNP is better to use than GDP? Answer: Environmental economists prefer MNP because it takes into account how natural resources are consumed and environmental degradation affects the economy. It adjusts GDP by deducting the costs of environmental damage and resource depletion, giving a more sustainable picture of a country's prosperity. c. Are there problems with introducing MNP? If so, why. If not, why? Answer: Yes, there are problems with introducing MNP. It is difficult to accurately assess environmental damage and consumption of natural resources, which can lead to uncertainties and different interpretations. In addition, it can be politically sensitive to introduce a measure that shows lower economic performance. 14.Within environmental policy, economic instruments are used in the work to reduce environmental impact. In this assignment, you will answer the following questions. a. Economic instruments are divided into three different ways. Name these. Response: 1. Taxes and fees 2. Subsidies 3. Emissions trading b. Describe the principle of each. 1. Taxes and fees:The state imposes costs on activities that harm the environment, e.g. carbon dioxide tax, to reduce their occurrence. Study assignments, HUV101 November 4, 2024 2. Subsidies:The state provides financial support to encourage environmentally friendly measures, e.g. support for renewable energy or electric cars. 3. Emissions trading:Companies receive a limited amount of emission allowances that they can use or sell, creating an economic incentive to reduce emissions. c. What is the main difference between these three economic instruments? Answer: taxes and fees punish environmentally harmful activities, subsidies reward environmentally friendly initiatives, while emission allowances create a market to limit and regulate emissions. 15.Ehrlich's formula is one of several formulas to model the pressure on the use of natural resources. In this assignment, you will answer the following questions. a. State the formula and describe how it is structured. Answer: Ehrlich's formula: I = PAT (Impact = Population x Prosperity x Technology). b. How do engineers get involved in the work of reducing the product I in the formula? Describe how. Answer: Engineers reduce I by improving T (Technology), e.g. developing energy-efficient technology and sustainable solutions that reduce resource consumption and emissions. 16.It is becoming increasingly common to discuss green economy and circular economy within sustainable development. In this assignment you will answer the following questions. a. Describe what green economy means Answer: Green economy means an economy where economic growth and development take place with consideration for the environment and social factors. The goal is to reduce environmental impact by investing in sustainable activities, renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and environmentally friendly technologies, while improving human welfare. b. Describe what circular economy means. Answer: Circular economy is a system where resources are used as efficiently as possible by reusing, repairing and recycling products, materials and resources instead of becoming waste. The goal is to create a cycle where materials circulate for as long as possible, minimizing waste and the need for new raw materials. c. Follow-up question to 16a and 16b. Describe how engineers get involved in the work with green economy and circular economy. Answer: Engineers contribute to a green economy by developing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies that reduce emissions and resource consumption. In the circular economy, they create innovative solutions for recycling, reusing and designing products with longer life cycles and less waste. Study assignments, HUV101 November 4, 2024 17.Think about how the engineer can contribute to achieving ecological sustainability. Then, summarize your thoughts and write them down. Answer: Engineers contribute to ecological sustainability by developing sustainable technologies, reducing resource waste, and optimizing energy and material use. They create solutions for recycling and sustainable design, which helps society balance development with environmental limits. Chapter “Technology and sustainability” 1. During lectures we have discussed that there are several definitions of what technology means. Based on all these definitions, it is common to start from one definition. Name the definition and give examples of technology based on the definition and why the ones you mentioned as technology are technology. Answer: Technology is materials, tools, products and services that are designed, constructed and assembled by humans, either directly or indirectly through the use of technology by other technology. a) The wheel: a.Why is this technology? The wheel is an invention that makes it easier to transport goods and people. It is an example of how humans have created a tool to solve the practical problem of moving heavy objects over long distances. 2. Technology is considered to contribute to achieving all three pillars of sustainable development. Give at least two examples of each of the pillars of sustainable development and describe why they contribute to sustainable development. 1. Ecological sustainability: Solar panels: Reduces fossil fuel use and emissions. Water purification technology: Purifies and reuses water to protect the environment. 2. Social sustainability: E-learning: Make education accessible to more people, regardless of location. Telemedicine: Provides more access to care in remote locations. 3. Economic sustainability: Efficient farming: Saves resources and increases yields. Recycling technology: Reduces the need for new raw materials and costs.