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Physical Infrastructure and Environmental Hazards: A Burdensome Legacy of Modernity

Thursday, 19 July 2018: 10:30-12:20
Location: 714B (MTCC SOUTH BUILDING)
RC24 Environment and Society (host committee)

Language: English

In this session, the massive physical infrastructures such as highways, dams, bridges, sea walls, and power stations are treated as a burdensome legacy of modernity.

As a wonder material, concrete became greatly revered in the modernization of many decolonized nations. Roads and highways were constructed with asphalted surfaces to promote efficient transportation. The huge hydroelectric, thermal, and nuclear power plants provided the foundation of consumer societies. These infrastructures by public works drastically changed the local environment, our lifestyles and the ways of thinking. At the same time, they brought a variety of environmental hazards today. This session is an attempt to recognize modern physical infrastructures as a burdensome legacy of modernity. Papers are welcomed from different perspectives on physical infrastructures and environmental hazards, and the relationship between pre-modernity, modernity and post-modernity with varied environmental hazards and victims.

Session Organizers:
Yoichi YUASA, Kanto-Gakuin University, Japan, Hiromi YAMASHITA, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan, Atsushi HAMAMOTO, Nagoya City University, Japan and Kyoko UEDA, Sophia University, Japan
Chair:
Makoto INOUE, Waseda University, Japan
Oral Presentations
Social Problems Engendered By the Removal of Dams
Atsushi HAMAMOTO, Nagoya City University, Japan
Environmental Risks of Living By the Sea, Memories of Coasts and Sea Walls
Hiromi YAMASHITA, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan