Environmental author George Monbiot is well-known for his insightful criticism of how society affects the natural world. He eloquently explains in one of his works how communities and natural landscapes are upended by the growth of transportation infrastructure. Picture a calm rural area with peaceful forests and verdant fields. Imagine now that busy roads, which scatter beauty and bring noise and pollution, are slicing through this same landscape.

According to Monbiot, new highways frequently result in more urban sprawl and development, which changes ecosystems and lowers the standard of living for both local wildlife and people. He is referring to a shadowy area known as the "penumbra" where the consequences of these changes are felt well beyond the immediate area of the roads.

The author highlights the need for more sustainable urban planning and infrastructure development by providing examples of how seemingly advantageous things like better transportation networks can have unanticipated negative effects on the environment. His writing inspires readers to examine how they interact with nature and how they can minimize negative effects while still taking advantage of contemporary society's advantages.