Dam Projects Repeat Harms Without Planning

Emilio Moran at Michigan State University and colleagues studied large hydropower dam building in the global south. The research shows that dam projects often cause irreversible damage to river ecosystems and harm local fishermen’s livelihoods. In the early 2000s, the World Commission on Dams proposed strategies to lessen these impacts, but major dam-building nations like China, India, and Brazil dismissed them.

The team now suggests assessing entire river systems and including local communities, governments, and energy providers from the beginning of planning. This could allow for integrating other renewable sources like solar and wind power into dam projects. Researchers also point to a “prosumer” model, where communities generate and consume their own energy, as a way to share power and benefits more equitably.

The study acknowledges that renewable energy isn’t automatically sustainable and notes that while the tools for better planning exist, their implementation depends on the willingness of governments and investors. The work continues to inform global conversations about balancing energy needs with ecosystem health.