The Conflict

On the site of Sanxia (the Three Gorges) in western Hubei province China is in the process of building the largest and most powerful dam ever to be built. Proponents of the dam point out that it will bring a great deal of clean energy into many parts of China more cheaply than other means and that it will aid in preventing severe flood damage along the Chang (Yangtze) River. Opponents point out that the dam will eventually displace well over a million people, destroy majestic natural beauty that draws tourists to China, cost a great deal in time, money, and effort, and may not be effective in some of its primary functions. Since the project is already underway and probably will not now...