Removing Hydropower Dams Can Restore Ecosystems, Build Climate Resilience, and Restore Tribal Lands

Dams have long been used to harness rivers for electricity, water storage, and other human benefits, but they have also led to serious ecological problems. Blocking rivers prevents fish from migrating and disrupts natural water flow, harming ecosystems and reducing water quality. Hydropower dams, in particular, impact entire river sections, cutting off habitats for migratory species and damaging biodiversity. As dams age, they can also become costly to repair. By 2030, 70 percent of U.S. dams will be over 50 years old, making maintenance more expensive than removing them.

Removing old or unsafe dams can restore river health quickly, creating safe and thriving ecosystems while boosting the local economy. Dam removal benefits include enhanced public safety, flood protection, improved property values, and increased recreational opportunities. For Indigenous communities, removing dams can also restore lost lands and respect tribal stewardship of natural resources. Restoring rivers to their free-flowing state helps prepare communities for climate change impacts, like severe storms, by giving rivers space to flow naturally.

Community action can make a difference. People can learn about local dams, participate in cleanup efforts, and speak with local officials about river conservation. As awareness of environmental issues grows, so does support for dam removal. Restoring rivers to their natural states offers ecological, economic, and cultural benefits, supporting wildlife, Indigenous rights, and climate resilience. Removing dams represents a step toward a sustainable future for rivers and communities worldwide.

Read the full article “Removing Hydropower Dams Can Restore Ecosystems, Build Climate Resilience, and Restore Tribal Lands” by Katie Schmidt

🔭   This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.