(June 19, 2009) In response to the environment ministry’s suspension of two major hydro projects along the upper Yangtze last week, citizens groups issued a statement with photos, questioning temporary suspensions and calling for a halt to dam projects along the upper Yangtze (known as Jinsha).
A response to the Ministry of Environmental Protection’s decision to suspend approval of hydro dam construction along the middle
(June 12, 2009) A letter and photos from Chinese NGOs after the environment ministry suspended two major hydro projects along the upper Yangtze last week. In the letter, they question the temporary suspensions and call for a halt to dam projects along the upper Yangtze (known as Jinsha).
About 37,000 Chinese dams deemed “unsafe,” some on the verge of collapse
(June 19, 2009) China Daily blames the problem on shoddy construction, unqualified workers and embezzled public funds. Now that the flood season is right around the corner the authorities call for maximum alert to prevent collapses.
Ship lift at Three Gorges Dam, China − design of steel structures
(June 18, 2009) A detailed look at the colossal ship lift proposed for the Three Gorges Dam: a structure so enormous in dimension and complex in its engineering, it effectively represents a ‘moveable building’.
Dams on China’s Yellow River near collapse
(June 18, 2009) Several dams on China’s mighty Yellow River are close to collapse just a few years after they were built amid concerns that over 40 percent of the nation’s reservoirs are unsafe, state media has said.
Three Gorges dam building industry goes global
(June 15, 2009) China’s global dam building business has its roots in the massive Three Gorges project, which is now almost fully operational and was built mainly using Western technology and construction know-how.
China: New dam builder for the world
(December 28, 2007) Home to almost half of the world’s 45,000 biggest dams, China has embarked on a push to export its hydropower know-how to developing countries — even as it contends with environmental damage and social upheaval at home from the massive Three Gorges Dam.
China Suspends Construction Of Two Hydropower Dams In Yangtze River Region
(June 12, 2009) China Environment Ministry has suspended the construction of two hydropower dams in the upper Yangtze River region. The ministry has suspended because of the construction work was started without the necessary environmental assessments, which is illegal. These hydropower dams require additional environmental reviews to proceed. These hydropower dams are part of a projected CNY200 billion hydropower project along the Jinsha River tributary in southwest China.
June 4 incident, Dai Qing and the Three Gorges dam project
(June 9, 2009) Abstract: This article by Chinese engineer Dr. Wang Weiluo marks this year’s 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen “Incident” by linking the events of that fateful day to the Three Gorges dam project.
China’s economic stimulus package raises environmental concerns
(June 8, 2009) China’s minister of environmental protection, Zhou Shengxian, has expressed concern that the country’s economic stimulus plan will have a negative impact on the environment. In an interview with China Daily, Zhou warned that he will push his 200-odd staff ministry into an all-out “warfare” to promote environmental and green initiatives and policies.
Geologists reflect on last year’s earthquake in Sichuan
(June 5, 2009) When the Sichuan province was rocked by a massive 7.9-magnitude earthquake last year, many scientists and government leaders were caught off guard. Previous studies by geologists stated that while the area—on the surface—appeared to be seismically active, their research showed otherwise.
World’s largest hydroelectric project to launch underground power station in 2010
(June 3, 2009) Generators of an underground power station of the Three Gorges project have started installation, and the first underground turbine is expected to be put to use in 2010.
Three Gorges Dam is one long, slippery slope
(June 3, 2009) Back in 2003 Probe International raised concerns that the Three Gorges dam reservoir would not have a consistent height, as resettlement planners promised, but in fact would be sloped – inundating many more thousands of people and costing millions more in losses.
UN says China dams threaten water supplies to Mekong delta farmers
(May 28, 2009) China’s construction of big hydro-power dams on the Mekong River will be a great threat to the future of the river, a significant water source for Southeast Asia, a United Nations report said. Senior experts analysed the impacts on Vietnam’s Mekong River Delta.
Quake readiness, turning the clock back to 2005
(May 27, 2009) Probe International provides a translation of Qian Gang’s examination of the Chinese government’s existing policies concerning quake readiness and disaster prevention. His story appeared just prior to the one-year anniversary of last year’s deadly Wenchuan earthquake.
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Lawrence Solomon
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