Energy and technology are inextricably intertwined. But technology depends wholly upon energy. People symbolize technology through visions of fantastic machinery. Another aspect is the product of the machinery. Sure machines dig deep into mining pits or fly high overhead. But, machines are also a mainstay of our health system. Machines power X-ray machines, power bed-side monitors, and, simply but essentially, also power the air conditioning. By making a miniature, comfortable environment, the sick or dying can focus on maintaining or improving their health. This is a decided virtue of technology.
The counter side of this energy usage is the resulting dependence on technology to maintain health. Climate control keeps the weak alive for much longer. Without it, life expectancies diminish. A recent heat wave in Europe in 2003 caused the death of 52000 people. For most, they weren’t able to escape the heat and their bodies gave out. When the supplies of energy can no longer maintain small, comfortable climates, will death rates again rise?