Ethics in Computing, Science, and Engineering by Barry G. Blundell

Ethics in Computing, Science, and Engineering by Barry G. Blundell

Author:Barry G. Blundell
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9783030271268
Publisher: Springer International Publishing


And:‘Solar and wind energy are growing rapidly, but while the energy is renewable every solar panel and wind turbine is largely made from non-renewable resources. These energy technologies also have a finite lifespan and the power plants that we build today will need replacing in the future.’ (Dahren 2016)

As we have seen (recall Fig. 6.5) the finite lifespan of technological products (i.e. the transition from the Useful Phase to the Termination Phase) may not simply be caused by reliability issues, but also by a number of other factors relating to, for example, limited performance, changes in support, developments in standards, and displacement by superior technologies. There can be little doubt that in the coming years the performance of solar panels will continue to increase and this may well result in the displacement of currently installed systems. Researchers are investigating the environmental impact of large area solar panel arrays and major wind turbine installations. In the case of the former, the presence of solar panels can impact on local fauna and wildlife, especially birds. In addition, research suggests that the panels have a significant shading effect which in some situations can result in a temperature reduction of up to 5 °C (although this may provide new and positive opportunities in which solar farms may also serve agricultural purposes).

Whilst many of the large solar farms are established in desert regions, others are situated on valuable agricultural land. If successful, one proposed development in the UK will occupy some 890 acres of farmland near the historic town of Faversham in Kent:‘The area’s salt marshes and mudflats are used by migrating birds including marsh harriers and lapwing. Readers will also know the marshes as similar to the nearby childhood home of Pip in Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations.’ (Vaughan 2017)



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