Even though the Three Gorges Dam Hydropower plants in China produce energy and prevent flooding, the dam is now threatening China's biodiversity

The Three Gorges Dam in China is the largest hydroelectric dam ever built. The Three Gorges Dam (TGD) was built to prevent flooding, as well as produce energy. Flooding has plagued the Yangtze for centuries; Chinese authorities estimate that some 300,000 people were killed in the 20th century's largest Yangtze River floods. In 2012 during the peak flood season, with a peak flow of 70,000 cubic meters of water per second (Angela), the TGD performed as expected controlling the floodwaters, from flooding the Yangtze saving thousands of lives. Production of power has been as inclusive as preventing flooding, “the hydropower produced by the TGD will supply only produce 3% of Chinas energy needs (originally assumed to supply 10%, however the rise in population and demand, has decreased it to 3%.) The hydroelectric power will save energy needed to mine, wash and transport coal from northern China”(Angela).

Even though the Three Gorges Dam Hydropower plants in China produce energy and prevent flooding, the dam is now threatening China's biodiversity. The TGD has altered the ecosystem structure and functioning, disrupting the aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity in this region. One of the overall diversity being threatened by the dam is aquatic. The TGD has disrupted the natural seasonal flow patterns to which the aquatic animals are adapted, block and destroy spawning grounds and migratory paths, and fragment aquatic populations. This fragmentation is playing a major role in the loss of biodiversity. In fact, some aquatic mammal and endemic fish species are near extinction, such as the Chinese river dolphin, the finless porpoise and the Chinese paddlefish [Efforts and challenges for the environment.] The reservoir created by the TGD is a...

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... not acceptable. Could there of been another plan, size or location of the dam with less impact on the biodiversity, WE WILL NEVER KNOW!

The TGD serves more problems than advantages; there have been numerous landslides, drought in central and eastern China, increase in seismic activity, rise in diseases, and a devastating blow to the environment. I know the Three Gorges Dam provides China with flood control (that’s plagued their country for centuries) and hydroelectric plants, supplying much needed power to China. Essentially I am arguing the TGD has had catastrophic events on the biodiversity now and future. If we keep destroying the environment, we will be left with less drinkable water, less available land, and fewer natural resources. The effects the TGD has had on the biodiversity begs the question “was it worth it’? I would have to argue those who say “yes.”