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Dams: Good or Dam-aging to the Environment? |
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by Ashley Kho | 30-07-2019 18:08
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Growing up, we have always been taught that dams are an environmentally friendly source of energy. After all, they produce electricity without polluting the environment like fossil fuels. The fast-flowing water is used to turn giant turbines which generates electricity when they spin. Dams generate about 2000 MW to 3000 MW of electricity per day. Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Bengoh Dam, a dam close to the Sarawak and Kalimantan Indonesia border with breath-taking views of the surroundings. Crossing bamboo bridges, trekking through steep terrains, sliding down mud paths; every step brought me closer to the beauty of the Bornean landscape. The homestay that I stayed at was also known as village above the clouds so you can just imagine how serene and beautiful the place is. In the midst of enjoying the mesmerising scenery, I had a chat with our host and found that he and his family had been living there for 10 years. Prior to the construction of the dam, they were living at the base of the hill but had to be relocated further up the hill because of the construction of the dam. Life was not easy as they had to traverse steep terrain daily to reach their homes and get to the city. Not only that, their livelihoods were also affected as losing the forest meant losing their source of supplies and potentially, their income. This was one of the main reasons why they had to turn to ecotourism – converting their house into a homestay for guests to stay over and enjoy the beauty of the dam. This led me to question the impacts of dams on the environment and the community. If dams are a good source of electricity and water supply, why are we building them at the expense of the environment and those communities whose lives depend on the forest? Upon returning home from the trip to the dam, I decided to read up on dams and found some alarming facts about dams. It is true that dams are useful for generating electricity, irrigation purposes and flood control. However, dams are also changing the face of the Earth and to an extent, altering the world’s climate. Dams change the connections between different parts of the river and reduces the flow of water in these areas. They block the migration of fish, particularly salmon, deplete oxygen levels and reduces the rivers’ ability to clean themselves. I was particularly surprised to find that dams are not climate neutral as they emit methane due to the organic matter rotting in the reservoirs. These account for 4% of human-made climate change. One of the more obvious consequences of dams is the destruction of natural habitat. Dams flood thousands of acres of forests, essentially putting wildlife at risk of extinction. A study done on the Amazonian Balbina Dam found widespread loss of animals such as tortoises, elephants and birds after construction of a dam. Aside from that, dams displace people and rob them of their resources and cultural identity and continues to impoverish them. In Sarawak, the Bengoh Dam displaced some 1600 indigenous people, causing them further hardship as they struggle to cope with life after being displaced. After reading all the disturbing consequences of building dams, I realise that in order to move forward as a nation with a lower carbon footprint, we need to find alternatives which are less destructive to the environment. Every action comes with a set of consequences. Thus, we have to think carefully before making any decision that affects the environment. |
  
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8 Comments
Hi Ashley,
Your report is always impressive and it really provides me with new insights. I like how you wrote about the dams which many people commonly believe it is good for us, but they normally do not think about this from an different angle - environment. I think the points that you made in your report are reasonable and logical, and I think itt is worth for us to think about this issue. I hope you can keep writing great reports! :)
Louis Mentor
Posted 05-08-2019 01:08
Hello Ashley
I do hope that you are fine and doing great with your works.
Thank you for your report about Dams: Good or Dam-aging to the Environment? I remember using the biological method such as netting, SALT technology to form the biological dams. I have previously written the report on SALT technology, I do hope you had read that too.
Green Cheers from Nepal :)
Keep writing great reports.
We are eager to read more reports from you.
Regards,
Kushal Naharki
Posted 02-08-2019 14:44
Thank you all for taking the time to read my report and provide feedback! It's good to know that you all enjoyed reading the reports that I write :) this will ensure that I keep producing quality thought-provoking reports!
Posted 31-07-2019 21:19
Hello Ashely Ko
Building dams has caused controversy due to its benefits of producing energy and its negative impacts on environment. In particular, dams can pose a great harm to ecosystem. I think you made it very clear that building dams have more disadvantages than advantages on our environment in your report. Thank you for all your time and efforts takin in this report. : )
Wonhee Mentor
Posted 31-07-2019 21:17
Great report Ashley Kho
Posted 31-07-2019 16:58
Hello,
I do hope that you are fine,
Your report has clearly justified about the negative impacts of the dams(production of toxic gases like methane, destruction of habitats) really a good points to be noticed.
Keep writing such a thought provoking reports.
Green cheers!!
Regards,
Sandhya
Posted 31-07-2019 11:58
Greetings Ashely,
Many people think that dams have neutral impact on the environment because it can produce energy without actually depleting our natural resources.
However, your article points how that they do have some effects on the environment (production of methane, destruction of habitat), which are some really good points.
As always, it was a pleasure reading your report and please keep writing good reports!
Posted 31-07-2019 11:11
Hey Ashley!
I hope you are well today! 'If dams are a good source of electricity and water supply, why are we building them at the expense of the environment and those communities whose lives depend on the forest?' - that is a very good question. And I like how you substantiated that question with that answers provided.
I was really unaware that dams emit so much methane into our atmosphere, moreover I concur with you that dams are the number one cause of extended flooding, putting local villages, town, fauna and flora species at risk.
We need to look at alternative ways to generate electricity, of a less extent to the environment.
I love the title of your report!
Keep up your amazing work ethic!
With gratitude,
Ms. Rosa Tiimuma Domingos
Posted 30-07-2019 21:42