06/08/2009
First Look: China's Massive Three Gorges Dam Project from Space
Here's one of the first images astronauts on the International Space Station have released of China's Three Gorges dam project, as water fills up behind the dam (lower right) in a reservoir 600 kms long:
"The epic scale of the dam project is matched by the level of controversy it continues to generate. Concerns about major environmental impacts, the relocation of 1.2 million people, and the flooding of 13 cities, more than 1300 villages, archeological locations, and hazardous waste dumps were raised throughout the planning and implementation. Environmental concerns include increased seismicity from the loading of the water, landslides, changed ecosystems, accumulated pollution, increased chances for waterborne diseases, and salinity changes in the Yangtze estuary."
The dam was completed in 2006. This photo was shot on April 15, 2009.
Posted 10:20 AM EST by Andy Towle in China, News, Space | Permalink
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And it was the final nail in the coffin for the local river dolphin.
Posted by: 207guy | Jun 8, 2009 1:50:58 PM
dis iformaton sux a$$
Posted by: La Cholita | Jun 8, 2009 4:28:55 PM
isn't saying something is going to worsen China's environment like saying you're going to worsen the flavor of a sauteed tampon? I mean isn't it awful enough to begin with?
Posted by: Matt | Jun 8, 2009 10:58:11 PM
Elizabeth Gilbert wrote an article for Spin Magazine back in the mid-'90s (Utne Reader picked it up, too) that's probably the finest thing I've ever read in a magazine.
I had no idea she'd gone on to such success, but good for her.
As for the dam . . . I don't think it's gonna go on to such success . . .
Posted by: JACKNASTY | Jun 9, 2009 2:41:06 AM