What are the Negative Impacts of Railway Transport?
The railways, which have significantly boosted economic development in regions through which they were constructed, have simultaneously caused irreversible damage to the environment and had profound social and cultural consequences for many communities, particularly Native American tribes.
Environmental Consequences
The construction and operation of railways have contributed to extensive environmental damage, including the destruction of natural landscapes and habitats. One of the most immediate and significant impacts was the rapid decline of the American bison, or buffalo, population. Buffalo hides were transported in vast quantities to the East Coast for processing and sale, decimating the traditional food source and primary resource of many Native American tribes on the Plains. This not only affected their physical livelihood but also their cultural, social, and economic stability, leading to increased isolation and long-term adverse impacts.
Railways also contributed to air pollution through the burning of coal for locomotive fuel. Although this led to employment for tens of thousands of individuals, it came at a cost to the environment, causing substantial smoke, ash, and noise pollution. The process of constructing railway lines often led to the expropriation of private property, further exacerbating tensions and impacts on local communities.
Impact on Native American Tribes
The expansion of railways in the United States played a critical role in both the settlement of the western territories and the devastating consequences for Native American tribes. As railways facilitated increased settlement, it accelerated the decline of the traditional Indian way of life and further isolated these communities. The extermination of bison was driven by the financial incentives provided by the railway industry, as evidenced by the stenciled instructions in passenger cars not to shoot bison from moving trains. This not only decimated the herds but also disrupted the economy and culture of many tribes.
Infrastructure and Urbanization
The vibrations generated by moving railway vehicles can also have detrimental effects on urban and rural infrastructure. These vibrations can travel through the soil and affect the structural stability of buildings, leading to cracks and even collapses. Theoretical and practical studies have shown that the vibrations can cause significant damage to nearby constructions, highlighting the need for more sustainable and less disruptive transportation solutions.
Historical Context and Consequences
The construction of railroads in the United States also had broader historical implications. The Kansas-Nebraska Act, which was partially driven by the desire to build railroads, was a precursor to the Civil War, sowing the seeds of conflict that would eventually erupt into a major conflict over slavery and states' rights. While the abolition of slavery was undoubtedly a positive effect, the civil war could have potentially been avoided or minimized with a different approach to transportation and territorial expansion.
Despite these negative impacts, railway transport remains highly effective and efficient for mass transportation. While the historical and environmental costs cannot be ignored, the modern focus on sustainability and innovation may help mitigate some of these issues.