Dammed Decisions: The Ethics of Hydropower
Damming the Debate: Controversial Hydropower Projects and Their Ripple Effects Hydropower, often touted as a clean and renewable energy source, has become increasingly controversial in recent years. While harnessing the power of flowing water can generate electricity without greenhouse gas emissions, its construction often comes at a significant environmental and social cost. This begs the question: is hydropower truly sustainable? Let's delve into some high-profile cases that illustrate the complex dilemmas surrounding large-scale hydroelectric projects: 1. The Belo Monte Dam, Brazil: This massive dam, touted as one of the world's largest, has been a source of intense debate since its construction began in 2011. While it generates significant electricity for Brazil, critics argue that it has devastated the Xingu River...