Examine how shared resources in a region can lead to conflict by accessing and

Question

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?

Answer 1

Research Findings on the Three Gorges Dam

| Source | Findings | |-----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Source 1: "The Three Gorges Dam: A Review" (Journal Article) | - When and where: Constructed between 1994 and 2012 on the Yangtze River in Hubei Province, China. <br> - Geographic Features: The dam was built to harness the river's flow, control flooding, and generate hydroelectric power. <br> - Affected Parties: Approximately 1.3 million people were displaced due to relocation; local ecosystems and wildlife were disrupted. <br> - Predicted Benefits: Flood control, increased shipping capacity, and hydroelectric power generation (up to 22,500 MW). <br> - Predicted Negative Effects: Ecosystem degradation, sedimentation problems, and increased seismic activity. | | Source 2: "Three Gorges Dam: GIS Insights and Environmental Impact" (GIS Analysis) | - When and where: Same construction timeline and location as above. <br> - Geographic Features: GIS maps illustrate changes in land use, loss of habitats, and alteration of the Yangtze River's flow after dam completion. <br> - Affected Parties: Rural communities lost arable land and cultural heritage sites. Fish populations were affected due to altered habitats. <br> - Predicted Benefits: Increased flood regulation and improved urban infrastructure in downstream areas. <br> - Predicted Negative Effects: Extreme changes in aquatic ecosystems and increased pollution levels in the reservoir. | | Source 3: "The Three Gorges Dam: An Environmental and Social Perspective" (News Article) | - When and where: Same as above. <br> - Geographic Features: Located on a key river, serving as an engineering marvel to tame its seasonal flooding. <br> - Affected Parties: Indigenous peoples faced cultural dislocation; thousands of ancient relics submerged. <br> - Predicted Benefits: Economic growth through tourism and enhanced energy reliability across China. <br> - Predicted Negative Effects: Sustainable agricultural practices undermined, and concerns about dam safety in the context of potential earthquakes. |

Analysis of the Three Gorges Dam

The construction of the Three Gorges Dam has been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it has provided significant benefits, such as improved flood control, increased hydroelectric power generation, and enhanced shipping capabilities, vital for China's economic growth. On the other hand, the dam has led to severe social and environmental repercussions, including the displacement of over a million people, destruction of ecosystems, and alterations to the natural flow of the Yangtze River. The GIS data illustrates stark changes that underline the environmental costs associated with the dam. Ultimately, while the Three Gorges Dam offers substantial energy and economic advantages, the profound social and environmental consequences suggest that these benefits come at an unacceptably high cost, indicating that its construction may be more harmful than beneficial in the long run.