1. Can Technology Save the Planet? (Ausubel 1996) is a provocative article. It counters the environmental pessimism about current global trends in industrial pollution, and problems in energy, food, biological conservation, and water and population growth. Can science as it is currently structured solve these environmental problems according to Ludwig (1993) and Hilbron and Ludwig (1993)? If it can, how can it accomplish such solutions? If not, why not?

2. Specifically, what are the current trends in total and per capita use in energy in the US over the last 20 years? Do we need more energy to achieve environmental sustainability? Social sustainability? Why or why not?

3. What are the current trends over the last 20 years in total and per capita water use in the US? Give an example where water a limiting factor to environmental sustainability? Social sustainability?

4. What are the current trends over the last 20 years in grain production worldwide? Does the intensification of agriculture present any problems in social sustainability? Environmental sustainability? If yes, gave an example of each. (Suggestion: use materials from the State of the World and Chapters 1-4 readings to complete).

5. How could technology increase the Earth's carrying capacity? How could it decrease the earth's carrying capacity?