By contrast, take
something like ozone layer
depletion, global warming, or
species loss through deforestation.
Each of these, it can be argued, is
a serious problem. But their effects
are, for now at least, largely
hidden. It's not easy for most of us
to envision the ozone layer being
depleted or polar ice caps slowly
melting. As a result, it's much
harder to find consensus that steps
should be taken to address those
concerns.
We face the same
conundrum in trying to visualize,
analyze, quantify, describe,
prevent, or prepare for the
possibility of warfare conducted
with nanotechnology-built weapons.
By its nature,
molecular manufacturing
is small-scale, would be easy to
conceal, and might be
developed in secret
without great difficulty. If put to
use for destructive purposes, the
direct impacts and indirect effects
of nano-built weapons could be
hidden, or nearly invisible, until
it's too late to forestall a
horrendous attack.
This essay is not
intended as a scare tactic, but only
as a thought starter. Not nearly
enough effort has been put into
understanding the
range of dangers
presented by advanced
nanotechnology. Yes, it's
important to
balance the discussion
with appreciation for the
benefits, but first, we
must apply all the intellectual
capital we can muster to ensure that
humankind will survive the
transition into the nano era.
Just a little
something to ponder as you sip your
eggnog...
Mike Treder