Modern hydroelectric dams are among the most economically consequential structures countries build. When they work well, they can protect downstream areas from devastating floods, while also providing steady water flow for agriculture and vast amounts of electricity for economic development.
On the other hand, their construction is often politically controversial, both within states and between them — and should one of these massive structures ever collapse, it can lead to truly catastrophic outcomes.
This week, we’re taking a look at two important dams that have come under different kinds of pressure: the Three Gorges Dam in China, which has entered the structural danger zone after two months of torrential rain, and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia, which sits astride the Blue Nile river and has caused major tensions between East African powers Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt.
As always, thank you so much for listening —if you get a chance and you feel so inclined, please leave us a five star review or share us on social media.
Further Reading:
- 'Man cannot win against nature': Amid catastrophic floods, China's dams come into question — Los Angeles Times
- Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan must learn how to share the Nile river
- Why Egypt And Ethiopia Can’t Reach a Dam Deal
- Three Gorges Dam deformed but safe, say operators
Also, follow and like us on the social medias, or drop us a question via email!
- [email protected]
- https://www.facebook.com/theelucidators/
- https://twitter.com/The_Elucidators
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCwm7lk1nGQGBsIjjpVMeIA
