Forward to where?

Throughout history, both science and technology have always driven societies forward. Despite its positive connotation, forward should not necessarily be associated with beneficial progress. Forward can mean movement in the “wrong” direction. Forward with respect to science and technology should be thought of as opening the door to the unknown or making new realities possible. These new realities may not be desirable though as the history of the Ashio Copper Mine and Watarase Basin illustrates.

The science and technology behind the Ashio Copper Mine significantly contributed to the acquisition of copper, which was crucial to Japan’s industrial and military expansion. Yet, the waste produced by the mine transformed the once fertile surroundings into a toxic wasteland. The mining corporation, initially unaware of its poisonous emissions, decided to continue its activities even after learning about the pollution. The Watarase Basin was only built in response to the multiple grievances that had warranted the formation of an investigative committee. Even then, the basin ultimately served to focus this noxious waste and its subsequent problems onto a smaller group of individuals. The basin simply served as a transfer mechanism, not a solution.

Today’s reforestation efforts in the barren landscape neighboring the mine exemplify the environmental degradation wrought by Japan’s industrialization and demonstrate the long-lasting impacts that follow. In this situation, science and technology benefitted some individuals but ruined the lives of many as well. The Furukawa Corporation had utilized science and technology for private gain. The Japanese government condoned these degradative operations due to a desire to achieve its nationalist agenda. The powerful and wealthy unsurprisingly dictated the future for many people without even consulting them. These events demonstrate the need to evaluate the role of science and technology. What purpose do they serve? What might they lead to, and is this a sustainable future? Are sights set on long-term or short-term gains? Who benefits from the pursued course of action? Who suffers from it? Thoughtful consideration of these different factors can help ensure that the mistakes of the Ashio Copper Mine and Watarase Basin are not repeated.