Most scientists, researchers, and even politicians agree that global warming is an existing threat to civilization and the planet. Greenhouse gasses, the byproduct of automobiles, fossil-fuel-burning power plants, and other sources are accused of being the main culprit. For years, we've been urged to choose mass transit as an alternative to wastefully commuting alone in a car. Interestingly, even though mass transit appears to be the solution to the quagmire, roads, rails, and airports are all highly vulnerable to the effects of global warming.
Just like a highly virulent pathogen, global warming is taking its greatest toll on the few methods we use to quell its fury. Increased precipitation, temperatures, flooding, and rising sea levels are all side effects of heightened average temperatures.
The American rail system, once highly privatized, but now more quasi-governmental, is actually a highly efficient means of travel. With ever-rising gas prices and subsequently higher air fares, rail transport is undergoing a revitalization of ticket sales unseen since the early 1900s. The secret to the locomotive's efficiency is its relatively low maintenance requirements and low rolling friction. Rail cars are perched upon solid steel wheels that ride on steel rails; while traction is somewhat of an issue when starting and stopping, trains can travel very far distances with minimum power input because they realize few losses to rolling friction.
From a maintenance standpoint, diesel locomotives work by powering large onboard generators, which in turn power independent electric motors for each wheel. Car engines, on the other hand, directly power the wheels through a complicated transmission system. By eliminating the transmission, diesel engines are mechanically less complex and less prone to failure; again, keeping costs low and further threats to the environment at a minimum.
Unfortunately, rising sea levels and greater precipitation put rails at risk for corrosion and degradation of their foundations. Furthermore, flooding slows all rail movement and puts passengers and cargo in danger of derailment.
2008 Woodie Awards
