U.S. Infrastructure Needs Seen at $1.6 Trillion
Daniel J. Lavigne
Tom calls this deterioration in infrastructure So, as usual, Entropy calls...
Some may not understand what he is referring to. However, I am sure that all
understand that this infrastructure ages due to such factors as wear and tear,
weathering etc, the irreversible consequences of this infrastructure existing
and being in use. These consequences are a multitude of manifestations of the
Second Law and the result is increase in entropy, as Tom pointed out.
In addition, the construction of this transient infrastructure has required a
reduction in the net natural worth of the biosphere in order to support
humanity’s needs and wants. This is an irrevocable biophysical consequence of
the decisions to construct this infrastructure. The energy and material, like
steel, have come from the irreplaceable natural stores.
This is not the only biophysical consequence of the decisions to construct this
infrastructure. There is also a commitment to ensuring it remains operational.
The maintenance activities being called for in this article would involve the
continuing use of irreplaceable energy and material resources that are starting
to provide supply problems. These activities call for further reduction in the
net natural worth. Supply problems with oil and gas are the ones receiving the
most attention at this stage but there are others that could well have a major
impact in the near future. This infrastructure carries with it a commitment to
use energy and material resources for maintenance and replacement that nature
may not be able to supply in coming decades. Meeting this commitment from
declining supplies will not be easy, particularly when there is pressure to
install more appropriate alternatives while still supporting the consumer
based life style.
Denis Frith
Melbourne
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