UPSC Essentials | Mains Answer Practice — GS 3: Questions on Unsustainable Exploitation of Earth’s Resources and Ecosystem for Deep Tech Innovation (Week 102)

Kam sabdo me kahein to, this article examines vital questions in General Studies Paper 3 for UPSC Mains, spotlighting how to effectively tackle issues surrounding the unsustainable exploitation of Earth’s resources against the backdrop of deep tech innovation.

Written by Priya Sharma and Anjali Mehta

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Main Examination is a benchmark for aspirants across India, testing not only their knowledge but also their analytical capabilities. General Studies Paper 3 (GS 3) addresses a multitude of themes including technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, and security. As the tech-savvy world grows, a recurring concern emerges: the increasing demand for technological advancement juxtaposed with the inherent limitations of our planet’s fragile resources. This week, we delve deep into how candidates can structure their answers regarding the unsustainable exploitation triggered by deep tech advancement.

Understanding the Dichotomy: Deep Tech's Thirst and Earth's Limits

Deep tech signifies innovations rooted in serious scientific research, encompassing domains such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and biotechnology. These innovations present great potential, addressing some of humanity's pressing challenges. However, their developmental processes often come at a significant environmental cost:

• Critical Raw Materials: Technologies require rare earth elements, lithium, and cobalt, whose extraction often results in habitat destruction and increased carbon footprints.
• Energy Consumption: For instance, AI algorithms consume vast amounts of energy, potentially exacerbating climate change if sourced from fossil fuels.
• Water Usage: The semiconductor industry, crucial for deep tech, is notoriously water-intensive, threatening already dwindling freshwater resources.
• E-waste Generation: The rapid pace at which technology evolves generates significant electronic waste, posing a severe hazard if improperly managed.

Unsustainable exploitation occurs when resource depletion and waste production surpass the natural world’s ability to recover, leading to dire consequences for ecosystems. For comprehensive insights on managing such challenges, visit asarkari.

Decoding the UPSC Question: What Examiners Look For

In GS 3, examiners emphasize a well-rounded analysis. The following are key areas they evaluate:

1. Nuanced Understanding: Candidates should acknowledge the dual nature of deep tech, grappling with its advantages while recognizing the ecological consequences.
2. Specific Examples: Illustrating points with cases such as lithium mining impacts or the high energy consumption of cryptocurrency mining.
3. Linkages: Clearly connecting deep tech innovations with their environmental ramifications.
4. Solutions-Oriented Approach: Proposing realistic measures to mitigate adverse effects through combined efforts in policy and development.
5. Ethical Considerations: Discussing intergenerational equity and the broader implications of these technologies on society.

Our Deep Dive: Beyond Textbooks

With our research and insights, we offer a broader perspective on this multifaceted issue:

The Ethical Maze and the Fallacy of 'Tech-Solutionism'

A pressing question arises: Should we curtail advancements that promise significant societal benefits due to their resource demands? This ‘tech-solutionism’ mentality can impede sustainable practices. Innovations must be designed with ecological mindfulness, not merely technological prowess.

Anticipatory Governance and Policy Challenges

Current legislation often falls short in addressing the long-term ramifications of deep tech innovations. There’s an urgent need for anticipatory governance that can adequately navigate the complexities within India’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Innovating for Sustainability: A Necessary Shift

For deep tech innovations to assist in building a sustainable future, various opportunities must be explored:

• Development of alternative materials that are less resource-intensive and more environmentally friendly.
• Adoption of energy-efficient practices that reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Creating sustainable products designed for longevity and recyclability.

Championing this fundamental shift means incentivizing research and development in green technologies, championing sustainability alongside economic growth.

Crafting a High-Scoring Mains Answer

Properly structuring your response is imperative. Here’s a suggested outline:

Introduction: Introduce the concept of deep tech and the challenge of unsustainable exploitation.

Body Paragraphs:

• The Promise and Perils: Discuss the advantages of deep tech alongside the environmental costs illustrated with compelling examples.
• Ecosystemic Impact: Delve into implications for biodiversity and climate change.
• Addressing the Challenge: Analyze feasible strategies to integrate sustainability into deep tech.

Conclusion: Summarize key arguments and stress the importance of responsible technological advancement in future planning.

For candidates, preparing for questions at the intersection of technology and environmental sustainability is crucial to achieving success in the UPSC examinations.

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