the effects of technological change in our society

CASE STUDY 5

Enumerate the effects of technological change in our society and describe and list strategies used in the Philippines to address the skills shortage in advanced technology sectors


Effect of Technological Changes


Air Pollution

Air pollution is a problem in Hong Kong, as we know from the air quality index reported every day. Air pollution has been a problem for many years. We can see from the killer fog in London, that the effects have been quite severe at times. During December 1952, a fog descended over London and is reported to have contained a dense poisonous gas which consisted of soft coal smoke, sulfur dioxide, and gasoline fumes trapped in a warm air mass. The poisonous gas killed many people. The ‘London Killer Fog’ led to a Clear Air Act being passed in U.K. some years later.

Acid Rain

Acid rain is a product of air pollution. Environmental damage from acid rain has been reported throughout northern Europe, North America and Africa.

Bad air

Acid rain occurs when too much exhaust from automobiles and emissions from factories are carried into the air.

Forming Acid in Clouds

The pollutants are combined with moisture in the air to form clouds with acids. These acidified clouds can travel great distances away from the industrialization centers before releasing the moisture.

Acid deposits do not mix

Particles in the clouds do not mix with the moisture and these clouds deposit particles as dry rain. The acid particles damage the soil and root systems.





Damaged lakes and forests and car paint as well

This can render the trees unable to support themselves in storms. Sparse foliage on the trees makes it difficult for trees to carry out photosynthesis efficiently. The acid disrupts the delicate balance of life in the lakes and can kill some living organisms.

Individuals are subject to unhealthy conditions, particularly in cities. In Hong Kong, mercury in the water has polluted the fish we eat. Individuals will want to blame industrialists. Industrialists do not feel that they are to blame. Society needs to fix the problem. It is a problem in many countries. Different countries will respond differently depending on their stage of economic development. More advanced countries with regard to economic development feel that they can be more strict. Less advanced countries feel that they should be concentrating more on economic conditions and jobs than on air quality. What can be done? The government can act on behalf of society to limit the emissions allowed by industry.


Strategies used in the Philippines to address the skills shortage in advanced technology sectors


Some strategies use by the Philippine to address the skills shortage in advanced technology sectors is they conduct many seminars for those who want to add new in their skills, for those who are also skilled workers and want to learned more they joined the program, in the past few years Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo launch his program in technical course through the initiative of TESDA and by the help of the local government all over the Philippines.


















Box 3. Industry-related factors in the Asian crisis economies

1. Over-capacity created by over-investment in certain sectors.

2. Insufficient diversity of industrial structure, including excessive reliance of some industries onexport markets.

3. High reliance of certain export industries on imports of inputs and machinery.

4. Overemphasis on large enterprises to the detriment of small firms.

5.Lack of linkages between export-oriented industries and other sectors.

6.Lack of industrial linkages between high-technology and supporting sectors.

7. Outdated technologies and machinery in many domestic industries.

8. Shortages of skills and of technological and managerial competencies.

9.Weak transparency and deficiencies in corporate governance structures.