1994 – 2006……?

 Largest hydroelectric dam in the world  Largest construction project for China since building the Great Wall  Chinese government claims it has a positive impact on the region  It has a $25 + billion price tag  Construction started in 1994 and some aspects of the design are still continually being worked on

 Yangtze River is the longest river in China at 4,000 miles.  For thousands of years it has been both a positive and negative aspect within the region.  Provides water for 380 million people and half of China’s food is grown along its banks  Overflows at times, and its floodwaters can kill thousands of people and leave millions homeless.  T.G.D. could put an end to the devastating floods

 It is the world’s largest hydroelectric plant  Designed to generate more than 18 million kilowatts of electricity  That is equal to the level of output of 18 nuclear power plants

 Supporters --Energy & commercial benefits --More people in China’s future means they need MORE energy sources --More water available for irrigation --Allows large ships/tourist vessels to reach cities far upstream=economic growth  Opponents --Huge environmental and human costs --As water rises, pollutants in soil and in chemicals in abandoned factories will leach into the river— therefore threatening aquatic life and drinking water. --Archaeologists estimate that 8,000 unexcavated sites will be lost forever in a tomb of water. (cont. on next slide)

 Opponents --It will submerge hundreds of farms, villages, and nearly 13 major cities. --Nearly two million people will have to abandon their homes.