The Control Of Nature

Nature of Control

Student’s name

Professor name

Subject

date

There are several stories explained in the book “The control of Nature” by McPhee. This book is written by a farmer who were observed all the natural disasters. The author describes, most vividly, three cases of humankind living at the edge of natural disasters. John McPhee, in his book described a threat to the Mississippi River delta if and when one of the key hydrological structures in the upper reaches of the river was destroyed by flooding, water discharge into the Atchafalaya River. McPhee told many options for the mankind which are helpful to control the natural disasters.

"The Control of Nature" is exemplary writing and classic McPhee. what happens when humans try and stop a volcano from reaching a town, or how about limiting the extent of flooding from the Mississippi River? Better yet, let’s talk about how people are building homes in one of the most unstable landscapes where fire has been excluded for >100yrs and rich people decide it's the only way to get out of the smoggy mess that is LA (then complain about landslides and fires near their homes)? It was clear that measures to minimalize the damage from natural disasters would be costly, by costs estimated at a maximum of $ 14 billion (McPhee J). In addition, it was necessary to select other sites for the implementation of many projects for the construction of residential buildings and other infrastructure facilities, to take measures to improve the physical strength of the facilities or to abandon their construction in the beach strip, as well as in other places where sand dunes should be kept intact, wetlands and other natural protective elements.

Undoubtedly, the frightening financial costs turn pale in their relative insignificance compared to the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina, estimated at $ 100 billion. In detail, the US Army Corps of Engineers has not been sufficiently funded for many ages. An application for 105 million dollars last year to fund a program to deal with hurricanes and floods, which included the strengthening of three dams in New Orleans, was cut by 2/3. At the similar period, the US Congress, with bipartisan support, approved the allocation of $ 286 billion for a program to repair and build new highways, including many unnecessary populist projects. There are also active attempts to abolish the property / inheritance tax levied on the property of the deceased person, as a result of which the budget deficit may increase in the next ten years. Nature is neither hostile nor benevolent; it is made up of competition and cooperation, and moreover, much more cooperation than this hackneyed struggle for life.

Ultimately, furthermost of the physical loss caused by Hurricane Katrina will be restored, but a long-term national assessment of threats from other hurricanes, from densely populated unbalanced highland slopes on the California shore, and from seismic shifts, which can result earthquakes in this region. Congress should create an impartial Emergency Commission to make recommendations that will minimalize upcoming damage and exploit the aptitude to reply to threats.

The main issue will not be expenses, however possible lawful restrictions on the growth of natural parts by a person, in particular those that will prevent construction by making demands to property owners to acquire assurance in contradiction of floods, corrosion of beaches, tremors and other natural tragedies. Exceptional attention should be paid to the requirements of poor families. Specialists appreciate the nature of the terrorizations from the elements, there is money, and for a few more months, at least, the citizen of America will be ready to bear sensible sacrifices. But their readiness will evaporate by time. We need instant action.

Bibliography

McPhee J. The control of nature. Farrar, Straus and Giroux; 2011 Apr 1.