Drones hover over controversial territory
Life in the 21st century has been defined by constant innovations in technology. One of these innovations, growing in popularity and controversy, is drone technology. These flimsy devices have captivated the curiosity of many around the world and have been evolving in their ability and power. However, drone innovation has come at a pressing cost as the aerial vehicles claim new importance in war and security.
Soaring above large landscapes and scientific fields, drones have also threatened the comfort of wildlife and humans. This nuance coalesces, ultimately raising the question: Is the world developing uncomfortable technology?
Warfare
Recently, drones have been added to the list of military tools used by warring nations. Drones allow for overhead surveillance and spying that would be inaccessible or dangerous to do on ground. For instance, the CIA used drones to locate Osama bin Laden, aiding plans for his meticulously planned assassination.Though in some cases, drones can help keep citizens safe; an example of this would be the assassination of world terrorist Osama bin Laden, whose passing eliminated severe threats of international democracy. The current Russo-Ukrainian War has increased the use of drones as both sides use the aerial weapons to gain territorial intel, target buildings and occasionally even civilians.
In late May, the Russian defense Ministry reported they had shot down five drones in Moscow from Ukraine. One of these drones caused the evacuation of a residential building in the capital city. The more serious of attacks happened on May third, in which the Kremlin’s palace suffered minor damages to its roof. It is likely that the drone attack was deployed by the Ukrainian army, but Ukraine has remained persistent in their claim that they were not the ones to carry out the attack. No matter the blame, the attack heightened tensions of the war as strikes in Russian land had been sparse and often quickly intercepted by Russian forces.
Differing from the Russo-Ukrainian War, the Israeli army didn’t just introduce drones in recent years – in fact, the military force introduced the aerial vehicle to its army in 2008. Beginning with selected attacks in Gaza, the use of drones by the army has since evolved significantly. Now, drones are used in major cities around Palestine such as Gaza to monitor the city and collect information for potential assassinations or raids. Unfortunately, the constant surveillance and loud buzzing overhead has caused many Palestinianes to feel psychological terror, according to FP News.
In a broader context, drone use in military settings has only heightened tensions, further suppressing diplomacy as a mode for resolution. The common unfamiliarity in the scope of ability of drones only employs more concerns and conspiracy in warfare as well. An increase in the use of drones will therefore only push the extremity of war and hurt diligent work for world peace.
Impacts on the environment
It’s an undeniable fact that drones are very helpful while researching habitats, mapping land, or even documenting photos of landscapes unreachable by humans. However, all of a drone’s benefits can be offset by its weightier negative qualities – one of these being the vehicle’s ability to harmfully disturb animals. Reported by National Geographic, a bear’s heart rate increased when they heard a drone above, signaling signs of distress. For birds, drones being flown close to nests and homes of baby birds can motivate an adult bird to feel unsafe and leave their nests, endangering the life of baby birds and eventual population numbers.
It is important to note that it is illegal to use drones on national wildlife refuges in the US. Sadly, equivalent regulations aren’t enforced in all parks and wildlife areas.
Contrary to other forms of aerial vehicles, drones are commonly perceived to be better for the environment as their carbon emission levels for flying are far lower than others. Using battery power drones seems like an appealing next step for aerial technology. But, sufficient research in evaluating the carbon footprint in the making of drones hasn’t been done to affirm that drones will truly make a positive step in helping the environment.
In all, drones will assuredly be in our future. Their capabilities will continue to flourish with the help of engineering and science. As they continue to rise in popularity, it is imperative that more is done to regulate the use of such powerful technology. It would be a global failure to allow for drones to hurt animals, the environment, and the lives of civilians in conflict. Drones need to be handled with caution and must be regulated strictly so that we can ensure that a safe world is accessible to all.
Written by Clara Milosevic
