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Technology as a geological phenomenon: Implications for human well-being

Publication ,  Journal Article
Haff, PK
Published in: Geological Society Special Publication
January 1, 2014

The technosphere, the interlinked set of communication, transportation, bureaucratic and other systems that act to metabolize fossil fuels and other energy resources, is considered to be an emerging global paradigm, with similarities to the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. The technosphere is of global extent, exhibits large-scale appropriation of mass and energy resources, shows a tendency to co-opt for its own use information produced by the environment, and is autonomous. Unlike the older paradigms, the technosphere has not yet evolved the ability to recycle its own waste stream. Unless or until it does so, its status as a paradigm remains provisional. Humans are 'parts' of the technosphere-subcomponents essential for system function. Viewed from the inside by its human parts, the technosphere is perceived as a derived and controlled construct. Viewed from outside as a geological phenomenon, the technosphere appears as a quasi-autonomous system whose dynamics constrains the behaviour of its human parts. A geological perspective on technology suggests why strategies to limit environmental damage that consider only the needs of people are likely to fail without parallel consideration of the requirements of technology, especially its need for an abundant supply of energy. © The Geological Society of London 2014.

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Published In

Geological Society Special Publication

DOI

ISSN

0305-8719

Publication Date

January 1, 2014

Volume

395

Issue

1

Start / End Page

301 / 309

Related Subject Headings

  • Geochemistry & Geophysics
  • 04 Earth Sciences
 

Citation

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Haff, P. K. (2014). Technology as a geological phenomenon: Implications for human well-being. Geological Society Special Publication, 395(1), 301–309. https://doi.org/10.1144/SP395.4
Haff, P. K. “Technology as a geological phenomenon: Implications for human well-being.” Geological Society Special Publication 395, no. 1 (January 1, 2014): 301–9. https://doi.org/10.1144/SP395.4.
Haff PK. Technology as a geological phenomenon: Implications for human well-being. Geological Society Special Publication. 2014 Jan 1;395(1):301–9.
Haff, P. K. “Technology as a geological phenomenon: Implications for human well-being.” Geological Society Special Publication, vol. 395, no. 1, Jan. 2014, pp. 301–09. Scopus, doi:10.1144/SP395.4.
Haff PK. Technology as a geological phenomenon: Implications for human well-being. Geological Society Special Publication. 2014 Jan 1;395(1):301–309.

Published In

Geological Society Special Publication

DOI

ISSN

0305-8719

Publication Date

January 1, 2014

Volume

395

Issue

1

Start / End Page

301 / 309

Related Subject Headings

  • Geochemistry & Geophysics
  • 04 Earth Sciences