Individual Inquiry: Damocracy

Here are four scenarios that result from mega-dam projects

Ilisu Dam, Turkey

Scenario #1; Work continues: The dam is completed as proposed, resulting in about 35,000 people losing their homes. The town of Hasankeyf is inundated, and many archaeological and historical sites are lost to the water, as well as habitats all along the Tigris river. A 1,200 MW power station is attached to the dam, bringing in more energy to help develop this region. The dam adds thousands of jobs, and allows for irrigation easier irrigation for farmers. The region over time becomes wealthier, and better infrastructure is added to the region. Species threatened in the area face extinction, and most likely will die out. Cultural artifacts are saved, but many sites are no longer visit-able, and tourism in the area suffers.

Scenario #2; International pressure: The continued pressure from international sources, including economic sanctions against Turkey, cause the dam project to be stopped until proper environmental impact surveys are accomplished. These result in the dam project being moved upstream of Hasankeyf. The cultural heritage sites around Hasankeyf are kept, but the environment still suffers from the dams construction. Problems come to areas as far as Basra near the mouth of the Tigris.

Belo Monte Dam, Brazil

Scenario #3; Work Continues: 40,000 people from around the city of Altamira will be displaced. The biggest effect, however, is on the indigenous people. Their primary food source, fish, becomes scarce due to the drying of the Xingu river. The primary mode of transportation, again the river, is also lost. Entire villages will have to find new ways to survive or else threaten extinction. The influx of migrant workers to the dam causes an increase in social tensions, and lead to more problems down the road. Energy from a 11,233 MW station in generated for the country, continuing its large expenditure on energy security, and likely leading to more dams in the future.

Scenario #4; Effective collective action: Thanks to dedicated efforts of conservationists, native peoples, and international support, the dam project stops. Workers on the dam strike, halting construction of the dam. Those against the dam continue to protest against it, causing an increase in the notoriety of the project. Large scale efforts by these groups helps to slow down construction, while mounting international pressure results in the Brazilian government to put the project on hold indefinitely,