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It is 1.6 miles long and 600 feet high, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world when it opens in 2011, five times larger than the Hoover Dam. At full capacity with 26 turbines it could generate 18.3 gigawatts (that’s been pushed to 22.5 with heightened water levels), according to China. The dam will also control the Yangtze River’s famous seasonal floods and the created lake will increase freight shipping capacity. But at what cost?
This $180 billion project also led to the relocation of 1.4 million people with 4 million more to come (according to China), on top the mistreated millions relocated by construction for the Olympics. Ancient towns and temples were destroyed, forever wiping out China’s rich heritage. The gorges’ striking beauty will also be forever destroyed. And then there’s pollutant buildup, soil erosion, and endangering ecosystems already occurring. |
(putneymark– flickr/creative commons license)
(putneymark– flickr/creative commons license)
(putneymark– flickr/creative commons license)
(featured image by putneymark– flickr/creative commons license)
