Damming Rivers Is Terrible for Human Rights, Ecosystems and Food Security
The world’s largest dam removal project on the Klamath River marks a significant victory for tribal communities and a step towards restoring historic salmon runs. This achievement was the result of decades-long efforts by the Karuk and Yurok tribes, supported by environmental activists, to dismantle four aging and inefficient dams. However, the decline of the hydropower industry is not inevitable, as companies seek to recast themselves as climate-friendly and secure stimulus funds for their failing industry.
Hydropower has a troubling record, with river fragmentation from dam construction threatening freshwater habitats and fish stocks, jeopardizing food security for vulnerable populations. The World Commission on Dams (WCD) reported that large dams forcibly displaced an estimated 40 to 80 million people in the 20th century alone. Despite this, over 3,700 major dams are proposed or under construction globally, primarily in the Global South.
The COVID-19 crisis offers an opportunity to pursue a green recovery that prioritizes community-driven development and protects freshwater resources. Governments must reconsider old, destructive technologies and instead focus on preserving and restoring rivers. Dam removals are increasing in North America and Europe, and movements advocating for permanent river protection are growing worldwide.
Governments should adopt a new paradigm that emphasizes climate and economic justice and prioritizes river stewardship. Instead of investing in costly and ecologically damaging hydropower projects, they should pursue cost-effective solar and wind energy alternatives. Cambodia's decision to reconsider its plans for more dams on the Mekong River in response to scientific evidence is a promising example.
The COVID-19 recovery presents an opportunity to redirect investments towards preserving rivers and supporting biodiversity, water supply, food production, Indigenous peoples, and diverse populations. Healthy rivers, connected to ecosystems like forests and wetlands, play a crucial role in building resilience in the face of the climate crisis. To achieve this, it is crucial to resist the hydropower industry's attempts to secure stimulus funds that perpetuate environmental degradation and suffering. Instead, investments should align with the WCD’s vision of development that considers the well-being of humans, wildlife, and the environment, leading to a future of healing and restoration for rivers worldwide.
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
