Confusion over Cost and Complexity

9-10-14
Maria Kozdroy
Confusion over Cost and Complexity


 Why not change the world by making one simple switch?  Sounds easy, right?  However, cost and ambitiousness are factors of why many do not change the world.  However, there are advanced technologies, which have high potentials to change the world, if only they would be implemented in more societies.  In chapter 4 of the Woodhouse text, he points at the fact that Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) and geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) tend to very uncommon all over the world, yet people living with them are generally happier due to the lower operating cost.  NGVs and GHPs both have many advantages and disadvantages, yet the cost of each is quite high compared to the non-energy efficient types, making potential buyers defer from purchasing either.  Additionally, experienced workers are needed to install GHPs—however, money and time are stopping people from taking on this high opportunity job becomes easier over time.  In this paper, I will argue that new technological innovations have the potential of entering and being accepted in society. The developers, makers, and companies, need to be determined enough to actually make a difference, than having only intellectuals know about the new technologies.

 Due to the lack of advertising advanced technological innovations, such as NGVs and GHPs, not many middle class people know about them and how they can change society in a positive way.  The lack of advertisement is most likely why there is a lack in selling of such products.  And sometimes, one might spot a commercial of a Hybrid vehicle, yet have no idea of why the car is different from standard gasoline-powered cars.  Thus, not even consider switching vehicles, and realize how with one purchase can change the environment.  The significance of new technology needs to be well explained in order for change to spread throughout the world, or else innovation will continue to move on slowly. 

 More ways to convince the public to buy such products and accept the higher cost is to provide statistics on lower operating cost, but explain the consequences for later generations if no additional change happens soon.  An example of this is the drastic climate change near the equator that has resulted from factories in North America, and other continents.  The people by the equator have not contributed to this problem nearly as much as other societies have, and now have to adapt to these drastic changes.  Going back to the main topic, changing to GHPs and NGVs now can most likely improve the climate and the living conditions for people of later decades.

 The price never should never make one reject the opportunity to buy an innovation that has many pros and benefits in the long run.  Companies of these innovations need to clearly present facts to the public of how their product is beneficial to society, the environment, and the consumer.