Etymologically, technology (based on ancient Greek technè and logos) means the study of crafts. But the word is usually understood in a much broader sense to include objects (i.e., a hammer, car, or microscope), techniques (i.e., writing, agriculture, or advertising) as well as processes influencing aspects of human life (i.e., when technology is seen as creating its own culture or determining economic cycles). The relationships between technology and the environment are very close, as technology is sometimes defined as the way by which humans manipulate their environment to fulfill their needs. Indeed, through the invention of tools and techniques, humans have been able to take advantage of resources found in the environment. They have been able to increase resources, for instance through agriculture.

Today, as people ...