Environmental Benefits: Maglev Trains 

In Japan, the introduction of the Maglev train has been a controversial topic. Maglev trains are, to put it simply, trains powered by magnetics, eddy currents, the attraction and repulsion of magnets. These are what run a maglev train. Japan has always planned to implement Maglev trains between its core cities the first of which is between Tokyo(the capital) and Nagoya(A major business hub). This Maglev Train is to be called Linimo.  However, the effectiveness of these Maglev Trains have come under scrutiny as its upfront cost is quite large, amassing roughly $52 billion for construction. Obviously this is a point of contention for Japanese citizens...are the benefits worth it?

Today, I will be examining the Environmental Benefits and negatives rather than the practicality of these trains.

The opportunity for maglev trains to reduce energy consumption is a large one. Since, these trains are completely electric and utilize superconducting magnets. The main benefit I see is that these trains consume 30% less energy than their counterparts(Northeastmaglev). Other than the use of magnets, these maglev trains are much better at overcoming air resistance, due to its streamlined shape and lack of friction. Furthermore, like most modern trains Maglev ones don’t create any direct sources of carbon pollution, but unlike commercial trains, the noise pollution is much lower. 

However, Maglev trains have some downsides for the environment. Firstly there is a necessity for added construction as the infrastructure for maglev trains needs to be built from scratch. This construction process goes through mountains and through wildlife, disrupting the ecosystem for the benefit of high speed rail(Ogawa). On top of that, the tunnels that need to be dug permanently deform the landscape of the country. Obviously, this poses implications for the environment. The conversation that sparks is...is it worth it to harm the environment for the benefit of maglev trains? For technological progress?  

Today, I think that Maglevs are an inevitable part of our future as it's the physical manifestation of our technological advances. Though they are a probable part of our future, there is cause for concern, not only is the upfront cost incredibly large, the environmental downsides might even out weigh the benefits that come from Maglev trains.