Over time new technologies made it easier to obtain food, transport water and build secure shelters for basic survival. Throughout history new inventions and innovations have made life easier and healthier, and humans have flourished in number. But as both humans and their technologies evolved, these same technologies have in time, in many places, begun to threaten the very systems on which life itself depends. It is commonly recognized that the need for security and protection has driven the development of technology. These new technologies incorporate into our civilizations, leading to continued growth, progress and development.
Evidence is the increased efficiency and standardization of modern life.
But it has also led humans to make unsupportable demands on the Earth's resources, evidenced by pollution, overpopulation and loss of natural resources. Today, fear of nuclear war has been equalled by the fear that modern life may damaging Earth's life support systems beyond repair. Ironically, most of the technologies used in ecology today were originally invented for military use. Aircraft and aerial photography developed for the military are now standard tools used for studying the Earth. It is clear we must balance our use of technology to secure the long term survival of the Earth's systems, and the life it supports.