Examine how shared resources in a region can lead to conflict by accessing and
evaluating information about the Three Gorges Dam in China. Conduct research
online to locate at least three primary or secondary sources that describe the
construction and controversy surrounding the Three Gorges Dam. Make sure that at
least one of your sources uses GIS data to illustrate the physical and environmental
changes caused by the dam. Use the table provided to record and organize your
research findings. Be specific, and avoid generalizations. Finally, in a short paragraph
, offer your analysis of the dam, describing whether the construction of the dam was
more harmful or more beneficial.
Record your answers below.
When and where was the
Three Gorges Dam
constructed?
What geographic features
and resources influenced
the building of the dam?
Who was affected by the
construction? How?
What kinds of benefits were
predicted?
What kinds of negative
effects were predicted?
What events or effects have
happened since the dam
was built?
How has the construction of
the Three Gorges Dam
been beneficial and
harmful?
Benefits: Costs:
Links to sources
1.
2.
3.
When and where was the Three Gorges Dam constructed?
The Three Gorges Dam was constructed on the Yangtze River in China and construction began in 1994.
What geographic features and resources influenced the building of the dam?
The geographical features and resources that influenced the building of the dam include the steep gorges along the Yangtze River and the potential for hydropower generation. The Yangtze River is also a key transportation route in China.
Who was affected by the construction? How?
The construction of the Three Gorges Dam has affected a large number of people. Around 1.3 million people were displaced to make way for the reservoir created by the dam. The displacement led to the loss of homes, farmland, and cultural heritage sites. Additionally, many archaeological sites were submerged by the rising waters.
What kinds of benefits were predicted?
The predicted benefits of the dam include flood control in the downstream areas, improved navigation on the Yangtze River, and increased hydropower generation for China's growing energy needs.
What kinds of negative effects were predicted?
Negative effects predicted include the loss of historical and cultural sites, increased risks of landslides and earthquakes, and disruption to the ecosystem of the Yangtze River, including the damage to fish populations and migratory routes.
What events or effects have happened since the dam was built?
Since the construction of the dam, the reservoir has caused significant changes in the physical and environmental landscape. This includes the loss of valuable farmland, the displacement of people, and the submergence of archaeological sites. Additionally, there have been concerns about the increased risk of landslides and the impact on downstream water quality.
How has the construction of the Three Gorges Dam been beneficial and harmful?
The construction of the Three Gorges Dam has brought several benefits, such as flood control in downstream areas, improved navigation on the Yangtze River, and increased hydropower generation for China. However, it has also caused significant harm, including the displacement of millions of people, the loss of cultural heritage sites, and negative impacts on the environment and ecosystems of the Yangtze River. The overall assessment of whether the dam was more harmful or beneficial depends on the weight given to these different factors.
do you have any sources to these?
Unfortunately, as an AI language model, I do not have direct access to the internet to provide you with specific sources. However, you can easily find sources about the Three Gorges Dam by conducting a search online. Some reputable sources to consider are academic journals, government reports, and reputable news outlets. Additionally, you can also check databases like JSTOR, Google Scholar, and ProQuest for scholarly articles on the topic. By searching for "Three Gorges Dam" and specifying your criteria for primary and secondary sources, you should be able to find a variety of resources to support your research.
In a paragraph of 5–7 sentences, take a clear and detailed stance, describing whether
the building of the Three Gorges Dam was more harmful or beneficial.
The construction of the Three Gorges Dam in China has been a project that has generated both significant benefits and numerous detrimental impacts. On the positive side, the dam has played a crucial role in flood control, protecting downstream areas from the devastating effects of the Yangtze River's annual flooding. It has also facilitated improved navigation along the river, boosting economic activities. Furthermore, the dam has been instrumental in addressing China's energy needs, with its hydropower generation capacity reducing reliance on fossil fuels and aiding in the country's transition towards renewable energy sources.
However, these benefits come at a hefty cost. The construction of the dam resulted in the displacement of approximately 1.3 million people, causing the loss of homes, farmland, and cultural heritage sites. Moreover, the inundation of archaeological sites and the submergence of historical sites have caused irreparable damage to China's rich cultural heritage. The dam has also disrupted the ecological balance of the Yangtze River, leading to the loss of fish populations, alteration of migratory routes, and degradation of water quality.
Overall, while the Three Gorges Dam has brought crucial flood control, improved navigation, and increased hydropower generation to China, the significant social, cultural, and environmental costs cannot be overlooked. The negative impacts on displaced communities, cultural heritage, and the ecosystem of the Yangtze River outweigh the benefits to some extent. It is important to consider a more holistic approach that balances the need for development with the preservation of fragile ecosystems and cultural heritage.
In a paragraph of 2-5 sentences, take a clear and detailed stance, describing whether
the building of the Three Gorges Dam was more harmful or beneficial.