Talk:Chem395:February 15 discussion

This will be the fourth in the discussion series. See Chem395:Unit_3 for background.

Agenda

• We will begin by discussing areas of applied science research that may bear fruit in the near future with new technologies to aid the transition to sustainability.
• Later in the session we will consider pure science research, which may lead to some long term developments towards sustainability.

Discussion

Is everyone here? Walkerma 16:03, 15 February 2008 (EST)

I'm here Murphy44 16:03, 15 February 2008 (EST)

Jesse's around so I'll start: Which areas of technology do you think we will need to develop by 2020?

Here!J-Fed 16:08, 15 February 2008 (EST) 16:08, 15 February 2008 (EST)

• I think that the areas concerning agriculture, food science and transportation will need to be developed. J-Fed 16:09, 15 February 2008 (EST)

Transportation systems are A major considerationMurphy44 16:11, 15 February 2008 (EST)

I think that research should be done in the areas of re manufacturing, this would minimize waste and increase sustainabilityMurphy44 16:10, 15 February 2008 (EST)

OK, Jesse, what developments are needed for agriculture? Try and be as specific as possible. Walkerma 16:11, 15 February 2008 (EST)

Good point chris, re-manufacturing is essential to this process! J-Fed 16:11, 15 February 2008 (EST)

• There need to be major changes in the policies concerning development, macro-economics and enviornmental policy to start with. AGENDA 21 even talks about committes and new oversight policies to address these issues. J-Fed 16:14, 15 February 2008 (EST)

Changes how? More or less zoning? Land trusts? Green incentives?Murphy44 16:15, 15 February 2008 (EST)

What I want to know is what technology do we need - we'll deal with politics etc elsewhere. Walkerma 16:15, 15 February 2008 (EST)

Technologies like better waste processing plants and recycling facilities nation wideMurphy44 16:16, 15 February 2008 (EST)

One of the biggest things I see is the rich-country subsidies. These cause the farmers of lower income nations to lose out on production and causes increased poverty. J-Fed 16:16, 15 February 2008 (EST)

So have our nation produce only the food we need for our selfs and/or export the rest?Murphy44 16:18, 15 February 2008 (EST)

Jesse, what technology will be needed to improve agriculture? Walkerma 16:18, 15 February 2008 (EST)

How about things like Green Pest control methodsMurphy44 16:19, 15 February 2008 (EST)

• Technologies that increase the amount of nitrogen into the soils, or allow better regulation of fertilizers. Better harvesting methods instead of combines. J-Fed 16:19, 15 February 2008 (EST)

So research into growing more food crops that fix nitrogen with their roots and can be rotated w/ crops that depleat nitrogenMurphy44 16:21, 15 February 2008 (EST)

Sorry, this is computer is lagging..... Yes, green pest control methods, better irrigation, improved harvesting machines and green fertilzers and zoning laws that protect the famer's land is imperative if agriculture is to be turned around. J-Fed 16:21, 15 February 2008 (EST)

Great! I have two followup questions:

1. Which of those is the most important?
2. What science should we invest in now, in order to develop such technologies?

Thanks, Walkerma 16:23, 15 February 2008 (EST)

Green fertilizers, tons of non-ecofriendly fertilizers are currently in use, I think that development of a green fertilizer sounds like a chemistry experimentMurphy44 16:26, 15 February 2008 (EST)

So begin by finding out what nutrients are most needed by the plants and how the excess that is not used is harmful. Then work towards creating a product that isn't harmful. Murphy44 16:27, 15 February 2008 (EST)

• This is lagging! I'm sorry!! Technologies that allow ranchers to track their cattle through computer chips, GPS systems to look at soil deposits and land use, better tractor visibility and lighting sytems so that they can work at night. Computer systems that initiate all of the pesticide and other applicants for the crops, automated systems that monitor these changes and allow the farmers to maximize their harvest. J-Fed 16:30, 15 February 2008 (EST)

Nice suggestions! Jesse, do you think we could do that stuff with today's technology, or a simple extension of it (faster chips, etc.) or do we need to do some more science first. Walkerma 16:33, 15 February 2008 (EST)

I am aware of some of these sorts of technology being used currently, but I do think that more science is needed to deliver better technology to the industry. We have certainly come a long way though! J-Fed 16:36, 15 February 2008 (EST)

• Computer aided chemical applications, computerized milking, feeding and waste management has helped out the industry and the farmers tremendously! J-Fed 16:38, 15 February 2008 (EST)

Thanks! Chris, let's hear your thoughts on re-manufacturing. What do we need to do there – try and be as specific as possible, maybe give a particular example of something that should be remanufactured but isn't. Walkerma 16:39, 15 February 2008 (EST)