This article addresses the
affects the environment has had on the Alaska Canada Military Highway, also
nicknamed Alcan. The road was built not long after the bombing of Pearl Harbor,
in fear that invading Japanese could easily infiltrate Alaska and build an
infrastructure there. Recently, problems have arisen concerning the highways
performance and durability with the long-term affects of cold weather, as well
as climate shifts. These circumstances were not predicted when the highway was
built more than half a century ago, and engineers are having trouble developing
solutions for such a large project in a harsh climate.
A map of the Highway streching from British Columbia through north Alaska.
I think this article is
interesting, specifically because this is an example of the environment posing
a ‘negative’ effect on American society. For the most part, in this class we
have discussed how humans, or specifically, Americans have changed the natural
environment, and what effects have been seen. This article still addresses that
issue, after all we did build the highway. However, the climate is taking a
toll on the highway and the effects of that are still unknown. Could a major
wreck arise from these road conditions? Perhaps a trailer carrying oil could
crash causing a mini-environmental disaster. How will renovations and additions
to the highway affect the environment when they are completed?
I actually think that it is still the humans that are causing this destruction of the highway, since we do cause the climate change. This reminds me of the ending of "Lost Mountain." In one of the valleys, the Carter's family built the only road that went through their little community, and the coal trucks destroyed it. It is truly human beings that do the damage, whether it is direct or not. In a case like this, though, it is difficult to decide whether more damage will be done by fixing the highway or by leaving it the way it is. Really, all that can be done is follow whatever leads to the most benefits. Either way, people will have wrecks on the highway or the construction of a new highway will cause more pollution and cost a lot of money.
ReplyDelete