| Has Technology Assessment Kept Pace with Globalization? |
|
|
|
bridges vol. 18, July 2008 / Pielke's Perspective by Roger Pielke, Jr. mp3 download  Right now, in the area of energy policy, decision makers are debating a number of important but complicated questions. For example, various perspectives are offered on the effects of biofuels mandates on global food prices; OPEC and the United States are presenting vastly different projections of gasoline demand in the 2020s based on differing views on the future adoption of renewable energy technologies; and the US Congress is considering implementing laws to regulate speculation on future commodity prices in global financial markets in the context of vastly different perspectives on the effects of such speculation on current energy prices. A characteristic that is common to each of these areas of policy debate is uncertainty, or perhaps more accurately, competing claims to certainty, usually offered by those with a stake in the outcome of the debates. In today's ever-globalizing world, the effects of technologies - such as biofuels, renewable energy technologies, and financial instruments - are far-reaching and hard to see. Unintended consequences are to be expected. In this context, decision makers would benefit from an authoritative, independent perspective on technology assessment. Unfortunately, such capabilities do not appear to have kept pace with globalization and its consequences. Access to the full article is free, but requires you to register. Registration is simple and quick – all we need is your name and a valid e-mail address. We appreciate your interest in bridges. |
