Technological development is by no means an unmixed blessing. It brings forth convenience and solutions that save human from perennial suffering on the one hand. However, it gives rise to unprecedented pollution on the other. Many people rest their hope on a simpler lifestyle, whereas others regard technology in and of itself as redemption. To a degree both ideas make sense.

Our pursuit of technology has resulted in the dilemma we find ourselves mired in. The ultimate drive behind this pursuit is, in a certain sense, our relentless yearning for convenience, enjoyment, excitement and abundance. Bearing witness to this are those ubiquitously seen plastic bags that packed our takeaway, or discarded cellphones that can still function but have been rendered out-of-date by updated version. In retrospect, when our ancestors were still plowing in the field or pastured their cows in the meadow, things were far simpler, though seemingly rustic. They desired less and thus were less troubled by the unintended negative consequence had they aspired more.

Yet, eluding technology cannot be the elixir to our problem. What is done cannot be undone. The Pandora has opened the box; nevertheless, hope remains to assuage lots of humankind. We have seen advance in technology ameliorating the environmental pollution. For one thing, scientists can come up with ways to eliminate existing pollution, such as heavy metal pollution or acid rain. For another, human ingenuity can conjure up new approaches that can replace old ones that are responsible for pollution. Heavy polluting fossil fuel can be replaced by alternative energy, and pesticide or fertilizer may be eliminated by gene technology.