ABSTRACT
Technology has increased the productive capacity of our farms, forests, and rangelands. It also has increased the standard of living in those regions able to afford modern technology But technology has drawbacks as well as advantages, and the disadvantages often do not become apparent until the technology has become deeply integrated into our economy By then, the technology has allowed the population to expand and increase its standard of living. These are trends that are difficult to reverse, and so we have a ratchet effect.
