455
Physical Infrastructure and Environmental Hazards: A Burdensome Legacy of Modernity
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.