Title : Is New Orleans Worth Rebuilding
Significance of New Orleans
Regarded as the birthplace of Jazz, what is culturally distinctive of New Orleans is very much part of the American psyche as well. Central to its rich cultural heritage are its beautiful buildings and architecture which form very much of the soul of New Orleans not seen in any other part of the United States. Chris Warner, in his article, Rebuilding New Orleans argues,
“New Orleans is a historical gem. Culturally and architecturally it has few equals. Great efforts should be made to honor and preserve its cultural and architectural past.”
Not surprisingly, New Orleans is one of the most visited cities in the United States. As such tourism is a major staple in the area's economy. Approximately 14 million people visit New Orleans each year. The city's colorful Carnival celebrations such as the Mardi Gras draw particularly large crowds.
Economically speaking, New Orleans is an industrial and distribution centre. In terms of gross tonnage, it is also the world’s busiest seaport. In fact the Port of New Orleans itself is the largest U.S. port for commodities such as rubber, cement and coffee. Due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, it is also a major oil rigging area.
All these reasons do make a strong case for the rebuilding of this city. But just how feasible is it to rebuild New Orleans?
Geographical argument against rebuilding New Orleans.
Any optimism in the rebuilding process must also be accompanied with the understanding that a major part of the coastal and low-lying areas are not exactly suitable for long-term human sustainability.
Geographicallly speaking, New Orleans is definitely not worth rebuilding. First of all, it is important to note that hurricanes are only part of the problem of New Orleans. The city of New Orleans has the lowest elevation in Louisiana, and the third lowest point in the United States, after Death Valley and the Salton Sea. Much...