(January 14, 2008) “The project could lead to catastrophe.” Not the words of a dissident environmentalist, but the official Chinese news agency in a story about the Three Gorges Dam. Lindsey Hilsum in this report for Channel 4 News (UK) looks at the concerns expressed by Chinese government scientists over problems associated with the giant dam.
Up the Yangtze
Straight from the Sundance Film Festival to a Canadian cinema near you.
China bows to public over chemical plant
(January 9, 2008) In an unprecedented move, the Chinese government appears to have bowed to public pressure to relocate a controversial chemical plant, reports Nature.
Drowning the Tiger Leaping Gorge
(January 8, 2008) Even in the biting cold, thousands of tourists still take the treacherous daily journey through the mountains from Lijiang to see the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of China’s most renowned attractions. However, the entire site could vanish within a few years.
China’s audit authority finds US$816 mln in misused social security funds
(January 8, 2008) China’s National Audit Office (CNAO) discovered 7.1 billion yuan (816 million US dollars) in illegally used social security funds in 2006, said Auditor-General Li Jinhua on Monday.
Yangtze Power “profits” unhinged from Three Gorges’ spiraling environmental costs
(January 8, 2008) China’s Yangtze Power Company posted a 47 percent rise in “profit” last year, though critics, including Probe International, argue these profits would vanish if the company were forced to pay its share of the project’s rising environmental costs.
Xinhua: Three Gorges dam tourism hits record high in 2007
(January 6, 2008) China’s Three Gorges dam attracted a record high of 1.25 million tourists last year, according to state tourism developers, Xinhua reported on January 1.
Xinhua: China to study pollution sources
(January 6, 2008) China will conduct its first national survey of pollution sources in some of the world’s dirtiest cities, Xinhua reported last week.
China Minsheng teams up with Three Gorges Financial Company, Royal Bank of Canada
(January 4, 2008) China Minsheng Banking Corporation has received state regulatory approval to set up a fund management company with Royal Bank of Canada and Three Gorges Financial Company.
Canada’s aid seeded China dam
(December 31, 2007) “The problems at the Three Gorges aren’t just a Chinese problem, as it’s often portrayed,” says Pat Adams of Probe International. “It’s a world-wide issue, with responsibility in other countries, too”
China’s massive dam project causes worry
(December 29, 2007) Residents in the Three Gorges area are concerned by an increase in landslides as the water level rises in the 410 mile-long reservoir. “Almost all my fears have come true,” says Dai Qing. “The landslides and cracks have made people migrants once again."
Global Transparency Initiative calling for IFI policy overhaul
(December 28, 2007) Visit the civil society monitor Global Transparency Initiative’s (GTI) Transparency Charter to International Financial Institutions: Claiming Our Right to Know. The Charter is the GTI’s flagship statement of standards the GTI believes the information disclosure policies held by International Financial Institutions should conform to.
China: New dam builder for the world
(December 28, 2007) China has embarked on a push to export its dam-building know-how to developing countries—even as it contends with environmental damage and social upheaval at home from the massive Three Gorges Dam.
Critic of Three Gorges remains steadfast
(December 24, 2007) As Beijing admits faults on hydroelectric project, a crusader presses her campaign, Shai Oster reports.
Chinese critic of dam remains steadfast crusader
(December 24, 2007) Beijing admits faults as activist pushes campaign, next target 2008 Olympics
Probe International 