Three Gorges Dam and Dongtan Eco City Flashcards
(37 cards)
What has caused flooding in China?
- China has monsoon seaons between June and August
- the increased discharge in the river causes flooding
What has been the consequences of flooding?
- Over the last century, there have been 5 major floods in 1954, over 33,000 deaths and 18 million moved
How much has flooding cost China?
around 25 billion dollars
How many people would the three gorges dam provide power for?
It would provide power to 10% of people in China
How many people has the dam reduce flooding for?
15 million people
How much energy does the dam provide?
The dam’s 32 main turbines are capable of generating as much eneregy as 18 nuclear power stations
How many people have been displaced due to the three gorges dam?
1.3 million and 150 towns had to be moved (loss of business and trade)
Positive economic impacts of the three gorges dam
- preventing flood
- providing water
- generate energy (especially green energy)
- tourism
How has the three gorges dam provided water?
It is able to hold millions of gallons of water during rainy seasons to be used in times of drought
Positive social impact of three gorges dam
- water supply
- protection from flood
Negative social impact of three gorges dam
- displacement of people/migration
- destruction of agricultural land
Negative economic impacts of three gorges dam
- expensive
- destruction of environment
What has been the impact of the dam on the environment?
The destruction of wetland habitats and ecosystems
How many people does the dam provide water for?
It provides a steady supply for 8 million people
What did the government do for those who were displaced by the dam?
- They were promised compensation for their losses, new homes and jobs but not all have received this
- According to an article, over $30 million funds that were set aside has been taken by corrupt local officials
What has been the impact of dams on historical sites?
The dam has flooded fertile agricultural land and over 8,000 historical sites and monuments (including the Zhangfei temple)
Is it likely that the dam will provide energy?
In the future, this is unlikely.
* Economic growth in China has been far more rapid than predicted = increase in demand for energy
* The dam might not produce 10% of electricity like estimated so China will continue to rely on coal
When did the construction of the three gorges happen?
Construction on the Yangtze River began in 1994 and was the largest engineering project in China
* It was completed in 2006 and was the largest dam structure in the world
What is the expected cost of the Three Gorges dam and how long did it take?
- it took almost two decades
- 37 billion dollars
What are the aims of the three gorges dam?
- to reduce flooding
- to improve navigation for shipping
- to generate electricity from hydro-electricity power
How many deaths did flooding from the Yangtze river cause?
300,000
Three Gorges Dam conclusion
- One of the most controversial multi-purpose river management schemes, the Three Gorges Dam Project has already had major social, economic and environmental impacts on the country and will continue to do so in the future.
- Despite this, it is likely to be the first of many such massive schemes,
- E.g 4 new dams are planned along the Yangtze and its tributaries, including one that will flood the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Will the three gorges dam be helpful in the future?
- As China continues to develop its economy, the need to provide power, transport and water for a population eager to enjoy the benefits of increased prosperity will continue to increase.
- However, with such a vast population, this demand will place a huge strain both on its own and on global resources.
What does sustainable development mean?
a form of development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”
