Industry, Technology
&
Society
By:
Dr. Nitin Kumar
Assistant Professor,
BIMM, SBUP, Pune
Ph.D, IIT(ISM), Dhanbad
Projections of Global Municipal
Solid Waste (MSW) Generation
Sources: UNEP, 2024
Global Average and Regional
Breakdown of MSW Composition
Sources: UNEP, 2024
The Consumer Society & Consumption
The Consumer Society & Consumption
➢ Consumers are the end-users in the distribution chain.
➢ They drive demand in the economy, influencing production.
Consumption
➢ It is a multifaceted phenomenon encompasses utilization of goods and
services by individuals/households to satisfy their needs:
✓ Basic necessities of daily life.
✓ Acquisition of luxury items.
Types of Consumption
➢Basic or Essential Consumption: This encompasses the acquisition of goods and
services that are fundamental to human survival. These include necessities such
as food, shelter, and clothing.
➢Non-Essential or Discretionary Consumption: This goes beyond the basics and
involves the purchase of goods and services that are not strictly necessary for
survival. This category includes luxury items, entertainment, travel, and other
indulgences that contribute to a more comfortable or enjoyable lifestyle.
➢Public Consumption: Public consumption refers to the utilization of goods and
services that benefit society as a whole, often funded through public resources
like taxes.
Factors Influencing Consumption
Consumerism
➢Consumerism refers to the consumer ideology which revolves
around a social and economic structure in which customers are
encouraged to buy anything regardless of their need.
➢Such type of consumer desires are more often driven by lifestyle
obsession rather than requirement, giving them a sense of happiness
and fulfillment through material possession.
Examples of Consumerism
➢Shopping sprees, especially that engage a large number of people:
➢ A mobile phone that is a few years old perfectly functional and adequate, consumerism
drives people to abandon old devices and purchase newer ones on a regular basis.
➢ People buy goods to show off their status or present a certain image.
POSITIVE & NEGATIVE
ASPECT
OF
CONSUMERISM??
POSITIVE IMPACTS
Consumerism: An Increasing
Threat to the Environment
Environmental Impacts
a)Resource Depletion: The extraction of raw materials for
manufacturing, energy production, and other consumable goods
contributes to resource depletion. This has profound implications for
biodiversity, ecosystems, and the overall health of the planet.
b)Pollution and Waste Generation: Many consumption practices result
in pollution and the generation of vast amounts of waste. Adopting
sustainable fashion practices, such as recycling and reducing textile
waste is crucial for mitigating environmental impacts.
[Link]
Waste and the Triple Planetary Crisis
Societal Impacts
Social Inequality
a. Disparities in Access: Disparities in income and economic opportunities can
lead to unequal access to goods and resources. While some individuals can
afford to consume bottled water or invest in water purification systems, others
face challenges in accessing safe and clean water.
b. Labor Conditions: The production of goods with unorganized labor regulations,
leading to poor working conditions, low wages, and exploitation of workers.
Ethical consumption practices, such as supporting companies with fair labor
practices, can help address these issues.
Technology & Industry Paradox
➢ This means contradictory effect of technological advancements on industry
and society.
➢ Technological advancements is supposed to create more leisure time, the
paradoxical reality is that our lives seem busier than ever.
Technology & Sustainability: Clean Technology
A set of technologies that reduces the use of natural resources, whilst
simultaneously reducing the negative effect on the planet and its
ecosystems.
Major Clean Technology Sectors
➢Sustainable Energy
➢Clean Water
➢Pollution Reduction
➢Recycling and Waste Management
Carbon Capture and Storage
These technologies help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the
impacts of climate change.
Steps involved:
➢Capturing CO2 emissions.
➢Compression: Captured CO2 is compressed into a supercritical fluid.
➢Transport: Large volumes of highly pressurized CO2 are transported via
pipelines/vehicles.
➢Storing them in underground geological formations.