China's Three Gorges Dam: "Fatal" project or step toward modernization?

Abstract

China's plans for the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangzi River imply costs that go far beyond the dam's substantial monetary price. The consequences would be catastrophic should the dam fail as a result of warfare, earthquakes, or other causes. Resettlement of population displaced by the reservoir, especially farmers, presents a formidable obstacle in the land around the reservoir site. Resettlement could affect minority groups if population is moved to border areas. The reservoir would sacrifice cultural landmarks. Erosion and reservoir siltation may impede navigation within a few years, and in the longer term will reduce storage volume. Impacts on natural habitats and human structures downstream of the dam include a variety of changes caused by greater streamflow at the low-water period and by reduced sediment load. The major justification for building the dam is flood control; alternatives include reforestation in the watershed, smaller dams on upper tributaries, and reversing the movement of population to dangerously exposed areas along the middle and lower Yangzi. Electricity could be produced more cheaply and quickly from smaller dams elsewhere. Energy conservation and population control are more cost effective ways of increasing per capita power supply. Installation of infrastracture for construction at the damsite before impact assessment is complete raises doubts about the place of environmental evaluation in China's decision process. © 1988.