Reading · Test 36

The new $30 million Skywalk was designed by architect Mark Johnson. It’s said to be one of the modern wonders of the world, and it’s certainly a remarkable structure in every way. It can support the weight of 71 fully loaded 747 planes, cope with winds of up to 160 kilometres per hour, and survive an 8.0 magnitude earthquake. While it was being constructed, the Skywalk rested on the top of the canyon and was only moved into its final position after it had been built. The glass platform extends 21 metres out over the Grand Canyon and can hold 120 people at any one time. Visitors have to wear special covers over their shoes to avoid scratching the glass beneath their feet and, as you look down, you feel as though you are floating over the canyon. We have been told it’s safe, but still we feel quite alarmed knowing that there’s only 10 centimetres of glass beneath us.

The Skywalk is situated at Eagle Point, about 190 kilometres east of Las Vegas, in an area which is part of the Hualapai Indian Reservation. The money to build the Skywalk, however, did not come from a government initiative. It was actually raised by Las Vegas businessman David Jin. It was then given to the Hualapai tribe in exchange for a percentage of the profits, and the profits are predicted to be very high indeed. Visitors pay anything from $150 and up for a guided tour, but often that includes the fee they pay for entering the national park. In addition to going on the Skywalk, you can also choose to go on a tour of the national park. These vary tremendously in price, but the most expensive involves a helicopter ride through the gorge and a boat trip along the Colorado River.

In truth, the money is very important for the Hualapai. Of the 2,000 people in the tribe, more than a third live in poverty, and there is high unemployment. The Hualapai get most of their income from tourism, but although the Grand Canyon is visited by four million paying visitors every year, the Hualapai Reservation will have been visited by only about 300,000 by the end of this year. Now things are set to change and tourists to Las Vegas are being encouraged to visit the area. However, there are fears among the Hualapai that the site will be overdeveloped. Some opponents say that not enough is being done to protect the environment. But the work goes on. The runway at the tiny Grand Canyon West airport has been extended and other attractions are being planned. There is also a brand-new terminal building, plus a gift shop. At the Skywalk itself, there’s a visitor centre and a café, as well as a new Indian Village displaying traditional homes and customs of the Hualapai and other Native American tribes. As I think about the difficulties the Hualapai face and I look out at the gorgeous landscape before me, I ask myself a question: does such a construction belong in the setting of the Grand Canyon? It might be thought by some that it’s wrong to interrupt a natural landscape with concrete buildings and glass and steel, but everybody on my tour agrees that the views are worth it.

Going green in Hollywood

In recent years, more and more people have been working to help the environment. For Hollywood celebrities, being green and possessing environmentally friendly accessories is the latest trend. Famous actors like Cameron Diaz, George Clooney and Brad Pitt have all become green. 37. However, it’s actress Daryl Hannah who is probably the best-known environmentalist in Hollywood. She’s been campaigning for environmental issues for years and has completely changed her way of life.

The accomplished actress, writer, director and producer has made more than 40 films, and has appeared with actors like Harrison Ford, Tom Hanks and John Malkovich. 38. Although Daryl is a big Hollywood star, the usual luxuries are generally unimportant in her life. She’s more interested in looking after the world around her. It may seem idealistic, but she wants to save the planet. 39.

The demand for fossil fuels and other natural resources has led to climate change and the destruction of many natural habitats. It is estimated that over 150 species of animal become extinct every 24 hours. We’ve known about these issues for decades, but it often feels like there is little that we can do about it.

As a result, Daryl has come up with a low impact way of living that is less harmful to the environment and sets an example of how individuals might really make a difference. She lives on a remote ranch in the Rocky Mountains, where she’s been growing organic vegetables and looking after rescued animals since she moved there. The house is solar-powered and built from recycled stone and wood. It’s built into the side of a mountain, so the Earth helps to heat and cool it down. 40. In contrast to the huge mansions in the exclusive areas where her fellow actors live, Daryl’s home has only got one bedroom.

Ironically, Daryl grew up in the city of Chicago, where her stepfather, Jerrold Wexler, was a very wealthy property developer. Despite this, Daryl was introduced to nature at an early age, when she was sent with her six sisters and one brother to take part in a nature survival camp in Colorado. 41. Today, she spends as much time as she can outdoors. One of her favourite possessions is a type of tent called a tepee, which she often sleeps in during the summer months surrounded by deer, owls, eagles and coyotes.

Unlike other big celebrities, Daryl has lived a simple life for many years and she’s cut back on any unnecessary luxuries. She doesn’t own a private jet. She doesn’t even like flying, preferring to take the train whenever she can.

You might say that Daryl’s weakness is her love of classic cars. She has an old ’69 Buick Skylark and a Trans Am parked on her ranch. 42. In the meantime, she’s content to drive a truck that runs on biodiesel, and is planning to grow sunflowers on her farm so that she can make her own biodiesel from the oil the plants produce. She has the ambition of becoming totally self-sufficient, and it seems she’s almost achieved her dream.