On October 15, 2009 Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Governor of California made a speech expressing his views on modern technology at the Oracle Open World 09. The "Oracle Open World" is the world's largest event concerning modern technology. This years event in 2009 welcomed over 40,000 people from a total of 120 countries. The speech that Governor Schwarzenegger gave not only captured his views as California's Governor on technology today, but also on how technology will help save us in the future.
Arnold Schwarzenegger gained world wide notoriety as a body builder, and then as a action hero/movie star in Hollywood. He began his speech with this note. He explains how if it were not for technology, he would never have been able to build such a championship body with advanced equipment and supplements, nor would he have ever been able to look so amazing in movies like Terminator, or True Lies.
The most important issue that Governor Schwarzenegger covered was on global warming, and preventive greenhouse effect issues. He states that California has proved to be the most advanced in the nation by using newer alternative fuels, cleaner cars, and cheaper renewable energies. In reference, Governor Schwarzenegger sites how California's is now using hybrid tug boats, and electric trailer trucks. Both of these examples were notorious for burning excessive amounts diesel fuels, and exhausting gross amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. He continues to talk about a San Franciscan company named Solazyme. Solazyme signed a contract with the Navy for their innovative way to turn algae into fuel. Arnold was also proud to discuss Telsa Motors. Telsa Motors is a Californian car company that designs electric cars. For instance, they delivered the Roadster Sport. A new high-performance sports car, who's concept design is based on the world's leading all-electric, zero emission vehicle and it can go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds.
Governor Schwarzenegger describes new and improved digital sensors and meters that will create a "greener" power grids by making more efficient, and more stable power sources in an attempt to prevent power outages. Power outages in the past have cause over 150 billion dollars in loses to businesses in California alone. He also mentions new device on the market that will allow people to turn off their electricity in the homes from their office, or from their Blackberry. Perfect for parents who have to be at work at 7:00 AM, and their children are not in school till 9:00 AM. So, with this technology when the time reaches past 9:00 AM, parents can reassure that all electrical appliances, lights, heaters, or air conditioners are turned off.
Governor Schwarzenegger discusses Californian companies like Oracle and Sun Mircosystems that have developed over 11,000 new patents. In addition, he proudly explains how Californian fire fighters are the most advance in the world. They are now using a technology called Geographic Information Systems(GIS). These systems are being used in fire fighting helicopters, where billowing smoke clouds make it near impossible to spot dumping areas. Pilots use to have to wait for the smoke to clear, so they could see the area to dump fire retardant on. With GIS, Helicopter operators can pin point critical areas with low visibility, and dump retardant chemicals with exact precision.
"The sky is the limit," says Schwarzenegger as he looks back at our advancement in technology over the past thirty years. Look at,"computers, DNA, GPS, catalytic converters, global networks, emails, and the list goes on." Imagine what will be invented in the next thirty years.
On a personal level, I have looked into the future, and have had feelings doubt and disbelief when dealing with Global Warming issues. I admit that we are an amazing species, and truly believe that we are capable of making the impossible possible. In addition, I am comforted by hearing people in office, like Arnold speak about our advancements in science, and showing actual proof that what we are doing is making difference in battling this alarming environmental issue. In closing, I believe in the human race. I believe in the power of technology and our ability to improve the way we live. In turn, I will no longer dread the future, but rather look forward to see what type of technology will get us out of this mess. What's next?
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d4QUXxy3O0
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/user/arungupta#p/a/u/0/WPU1uknoHz0
Tesla Motors: http://www.teslamotors.com/
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