Ecological Effect of Roads: Science and Practice

Event: Training on Planning and Design of Smart Linear Infrastructure for Biodiversity Protection

Ecological Effect of Roads: Science and Practice

25 April 2022
Author / Speaker: 
Rodney van der Ree, WSP Australia - Email the author | Other materials by the author

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As population and economies grow, the world is experiencing unprecedented growth in the construction of linear infrastructure including roads. Twenty largest economies pledged $60 to $70 trillion dollars into infrastructure over the next 15 years. With the infrastructure build-up, negative impacts to wildlife are also increasing—from traffic and construction noise to outright kills from road accidents and hunting. Over the years, the growth of construction footprints is seen as a cause to the decrease in wildlife population. It also leads to changes in animal behaviour, movement, and physiology, e.g., turtle hatchlings are observed to be attracted to streetlights rather than the moon over the ocean. While roads certainly lead to development, negative impacts to and losses in biodiversity and indigenous cultures must always be part of decision-making and planning.

Geographical Focus: 
Global
Regional - Asia
Type of Content: 
Learning Event

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