The Role and Impact of the Environment in Saving Private Ryan

Although certain films may not be explicitly labeled as environmental film, we approach Saving Private Ryan through an ecocritical analysis. We evaluate how the film not only displays the physical and mental tolls of war in several bloody battles, but we also explore the environmental costs. By examining the genre of historical realism, we demonstrate how the film outlines the unique role of the environment in war but also enables the viewers to consider the impacts of war on the surrounding environment. To understand the environmental message in Saving Private Ryan, we used a concept called the “Three Ecologies” by the ecocinema scholar, Adrian J. Ivakhiv. By considering the perceptual and social environments on-screen in Saving Private Ryan, it allows us to think about the material impact of war on real settings. Therefore, the unique role of the environment in war is seen through the portrayal and highlighted importance of weather, geography, and resources. The marine environment was also found to be disturbed due to the numerous vessels and equipment lost at sea, and along the beaches of Normandy. The certain stylistic elements used in this Hollywood Blockbuster are used to depict the film’s various settings and action to help us understand the role of the environment in how viewers engage with the film. Overall, this study evaluates how Saving Private Ryan provides an invaluable commentary on the environmental aspect of an iconic battle in world history

Analyzing Alternative Modes of Transportation & Carbon Footprint in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

As millions of students embark on their journey of college, many use different forms of transportation in and around their respective areas. The aim of this study incorporates the analysis of various forms of transportation, as well as each transportation method\u27s marginal greenhouse gas emissions and marginal cost per mile in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Data was collected by testing each mode of transportation on a short trip to the local Walmart. The results show that the two modes of transportation that contributed the least to greenhouse gas emissions were biking and walking. The results for other modes of transportation that constitute the greatest greenhouse gas emissions were the car and rabbit transit (bus service). This study also identifies additional factors that have a positive (significant satisfaction), neutral (modest satisfaction), and negative (unsatisfactory) measurement regarding their overall experience with each transportation method. The research results indicate that biking was overall the best mode of transportation in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania with the e-scooter (electric scooter) having the second best mode of transportation. From an environmental standpoint, e-scooters pose greater risks than modes such as walking and biking because of user demographics and lifecycle emissions from production of e-scooters