The Giant Wall Embracing the Yangtze River--Trajectory and Future of the Three Gorges Dam (2003-2025)
The Three Gorges Dam, located in Yichang, Hubei Province, China, is one of the world's largest hydroelectric dams. construction began in 1993 and took about 17 years to complete. water storage began in June 2003. the dam was designed to control flooding, generate hydroelectric power, and improve navigation, but it also caused the displacement of about 1.4 million people, water quality deterioration, ecosystem changes, and increased landslides. Environmental and social impacts occurred.
The dam's total generating capacity reached 22.5 million kW, accounting for about 2% of China's electricity supply. Economically, the project improved navigation conditions on the Yangtze River and contributed to the development of inland areas such as Chongqing. On the other hand, there were also concerns about the impact of seismic activity, including a possible link to the Sichuan earthquake.
In the 2020s, an increase in extreme weather events due to climate change has affected dam operations; in 2024, prior releases were made to control flooding, but a "collapse hoax" was spread. Water pollution and changes in the ecosystem continue to be an issue, and reforestation and enhanced water quality monitoring are underway. In the future, more flexible water level control and measures to reduce environmental impact will be required.
No comments:
Post a Comment