The Three Gorges debacle

In: The ecologist, Band 18, Heft 2-3, S. 56-63

Abstract

China is set to build the world's largest dam project at Three Gorges on the Changjiang River. Officials estimate that the project will uproot a third of a million people, although the true figure is likely to be closer to one million. In addition, the dam will increase waterborne desease; do little or nothing to alleviate flooding; destroy valuable fisheries and wildlife habitats; and cause severe salinisation problems downstream due to salt-water intrusion. Moreover, the energy provided will be used to power some of China's most polluting industries. (DSE)