Despite its impressive achievements, the United 

 States continues to encounter problems associated with 

 the use of natural resources, including energy and 

 "free goods" such as air and water. Much research and 

 development is still needed, for example, on: 



more efficient use of energy and materials in 

 providing goods and services; recycling and reuse 

 of materials; 



— improved technologies and procedures for coal 

 mining and utilization; 



— development of acceptable technologies to 

 facilitate the transition from fossil energy to 

 renewable energy sources; 



substitution of more plentiful resources for those 

 that are becoming scarce, e.g., coal for petroleum, 

 aluminum for copper, insulation and solar energy 

 for heating fuel. 



The United states has considerable experience and 

 knowledge that can be shared with other nations. It 

 began several decades ago to encounter problems 

 somewhat analogous to those faced by developing 

 countries (e.g., deforestation) and thus has had more 

 time to develop responses than have many of the latter 

 countries. The United states can also share its 

 egually important experience of negative consequences 

 and mistaken choices. 



This chapter addresses ways in which the United 

 States and other industrialized nations might use 

 science and technology to help developing countries 

 better manage their resources with minimal undesired 

 environmental impacts. Most of our recommendations are 

 aimed at producing greater technological sophistication 

 in developing countries. Stronger science and 

 technology in other countries is likely to benefit the 

 United States in addressing its own resource and 

 environmental problems. For example, development of 

 improved photovoltaic or other solid-state means of 

 converting sunlight into electricity could bring 

 enormous benefits to developing countries and hasten 

 the advent of commercial solar energy systems in the 

 United States, with consequent savings of petroleum and 

 natural gas resources. 



Although some observers feel that concern for 

 environmental problems will constrain development 

 efforts, we believe that environmental protection can 

 help achieve development goals at a lower cost. 

 Prevention is usually less expensive than cure. 



For many years, the U.S. government, industry, and 

 universities have collaborated with developing 

 countries in developing their natural resources and 

 energy sources. The United States supports development 



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