Ethics and sustainability in technological innovation: A systematic review of its environmental impact
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15447180Keywords:
ethics, environmental impact, technological innovationAbstract
Technological innovation has driven significant advances in various fields, but it has also generated negative impacts on the environment, such as pollution and excessive consumption of natural resources. In this context, the need arises to address ethics in innovation in order to achieve a balance between technological progress and environmental sustainability. The objective of this research is to analyze the integration of ethical principles in the development of technological innovations and their environmental impact, promoting responsible practices that minimize ecological damage. A systematic, qualitative and descriptive review of the scientific literature was carried out, following the PRISMA protocol to ensure rigor and transparency. The search focused on articles in English and Spanish available in Scopus, published between 2023 and 2024, that addressed the relationship between scientific innovation, ethics and the environment. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select 28 relevant studies. The results show that, although technological innovation can have adverse effects on the environment, it also offers opportunities for the development of clean and sustainable technologies, such as renewable energies and advanced recycling systems. The studies highlight the importance of rigorous environmental policies, education and public awareness to foster an ethical and responsible culture. In conclusion, the research underlines that technological innovation and environmental care are not opposing objectives; with an appropriate ethical approach, it is possible to achieve sustainable economic development that preserves the health of the planet.
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