Why did building the Three Gorges Dam and filling it reservoir cause problems?
Building the Three Gorges Dam and filling its reservoir caused several problems, including:
1. Displacement of people: The creation of the reservoir forced the relocation of over 1.3 million people, leading to social and economic disruptions for local communities.
2. Environmental impact: The construction and operation of the dam has caused significant ecological damage, including loss of wildlife habitat, disruption of river ecosystems, and increased sedimentation downstream.
3. Water pollution: The reservoir has trapped large amounts of industrial and agricultural pollutants, leading to water contamination and reduced water quality for downstream communities.
4. Seismic risk: The reservoir has been linked to an increase in seismic activity and landslides in the region, posing a risk to surrounding communities.
5. Climate change impact: The dam's reservoir has been found to contribute to the release of greenhouse gases, such as methane, which can exacerbate climate change.