(March 8, 2011) Vietnam News features statements from several experts on how the proposed damming of the Mekong River would destroy the region’s ecology, and harm tens of thousands of people.
China says research still needed before Nu River dammed
(March 8, 2011) In an apparent contradiction of national policy, General Secretary of Yunnan’s provincial Communist Party claims that the Nu River will not be dammed without further research. Is a schism emerging between the provincial and Central Party officials over the controversial dams?
U.S. scientists cleared in ‘Climategate’
(March 7, 2011) Researchers at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have been cleared of any scientific wrongdoing in the 2009 “climategate” uproar.
China’s dam-building will cause more problems than it solves: The Guardian
(March 4, 2011) Peter Bosshard of International Rivers writes in the Guardian that China’s dam building frenzy threatens to destroy the country’s biodiversity. Ironically, trying to aggressively reduce CO2 emissions by building megadams will do more harm than good for the environment.
Brazilian megadam shaping up to be the next Three Gorges disaster
(March 3, 2011) Time Magazine released a story today, comparing the Brazilian Belo Monte Dam to the nefarious Three Gorges Dam. Though the court ordered construction to cease over environmental concerns, the battle is far from over.
Thailand considers de-commissioning one disastrous megadam, building another
(March 3, 2011) The World Wildlife Fund reports that the Government of Thailand is considering de-commissioning the failed Mun River dam, while blasting ahead with another dam in the Mekong region. Have the lessons of the Mun been forgotten?
Despite February snow, Beijing’s crippling drought continues
(March 2, 2011) Though much of the drought stricken areas in China have now received some precipitation, the North remains dangerously dry.
Three Gorges Dam: trigger of severe earthquakes?
(March 2011) The giant structure located in China has already caused more than 3,400 (so far minor) earthquakes. Scientists are now warning that a much bigger disaster could be looming on the horizon. A study by seismologists at the China Earthquake Administration (formerly known as the China Seismological Bureau) indicates that the massive Three Gorges dam on the Yangtze River “significantly increased” seismic activity along the dam’s reservoir.
Hydropower projects speed up in Tibet
(February 28, 2011) Amanda Wu of China Tibet Online reports that Tibet is planning to spend $700 million on a new megadam project.
UN carbon offsets used to pay polluters, steal land: The Gaia Foundation
(February 28, 2011) Environmental NGO claims that carbon credits could lead to massive land grabs for environmentally damaging projects such as biofuels and industrial tree planting, and creates perverse incentives that reward pollution.
Chinese Environment Minister: Environmental degradation may cause economic ‘bottleneck’
(February 28, 2011) Reuters reports on an unusually frank essay by the Chinese environment minister on how environmental devastation could stunt economic development.
Brazilian court halts mega dam for violating environmental regulations
(February 26, 2011) Bloomberg reports that construction of the $11 billion Belo Monte dam in Brazil has been halted by a Federal court decision, citing violation of 29 separate environmental regulations.
China to relocate 190,000 people for south-north water diversion project this year
(February 26, 2011) Official Chinese media reports that 190,000 more people will be relocated this year as part of the south-north water diversion project.
Mekong Utility Watch: The Xayaburi dam
(February 25, 2011) Recent news coverage about the proposed Xayaburi dam in Laos is summarized below.
Chinese dams are seeking to outshine the stars in the sky
(February 25, 2011) French journalist Claude Arpi writes that the Chinese dam lobby is using global warming to ram through catastrophic dam projects.
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