American society Quote by Naomi Klein
““The American Society of Civil Engineers said in 2007 that the U.S. had fallen so far behind in maintaining its public infrastructure -- roads, bridges, schools, dams -- that it would take more than a trillion and half dollars over five years to bring it back up to standard. Instead, these types of expenditures are being cut back. At the same time, public infrastructure around the world is facing unprecedented stress, with hurricanes, cyclones, floods and forest fires all increasing in frequency and intensity. It's easy to imagine a future in which growing numbers of cities have their frail and long-neglected infrastructures knocked out by disasters and then are left to rot, their core services never repaired or rehabilitated. The well-off, meanwhile, will withdraw into gated communities, their needs met by privatized providers. ””
About This Quote
Source Book: This Changes Everything, 2014
She warns that neglected infrastructure, combined with climate disasters, will exacerbate inequality and cause systemic collapse.
In simple terms: Ignored infrastructure + climate change = disaster.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize resilient public works.
Themes
environment
infrastructure
inequality
Mood
urgent
concerned
Type
activist
analytical
When to use this quote
- city planning
- disaster preparedness
- public budgeting
Key Concepts
Urban planning
climate adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can communities fund resilient upgrades?
- What role should government play versus private sector?
A Different Perspective
Funding constraints may limit action.
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