No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveTo Dam… Or Not to Dam?

To Dam… Or Not to Dam?

Once considered the cleanest, most efficient form of renewable energy, dams are falling from grace.

The findings of the World Commission on Dams (dams.org), an independent, international, workgroup that addressed issues with large dams, concluded that “the ecosystem impacts are more negative than positive, and they have led, in many cases, to significant and irreversible loss of species and ecosystems.”

Effects to fish and invertebrate populations in rivers, as well as the surrounding wildlife and vegetation, are well documented.

Recent studies conducted by Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE), also warn that the world’s large dams emit 104 million metric tons of methane annually – 23% of the world’s human-induced methane emission total, driven mostly by decaying organic material beneath impoundments.

Methane is a much more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, say scientists.

The same study found that large hydropower reservoirs in the tropics may have a higher global warming impact per kilowatt hour than the burning of fossil fuels, including coal.

Others believe these claims to be exaggerated by the anti-dam contingent.

The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) says hydropower, while not perfect, remains the most viable option, in terms of economics and environment.

“Faced with increasingly unpredictable weather and growing demand for energy, the best option we have is to build impoundments that store water, so that we can control and regulate generation as we see fit,” said ICE’s Roberto’s Jiménez.

“Otherwise, we’ll be forced to burn fossil fuels.”

 

Trending Now

Prisma Dental in Costa Rica Keeps Customers Happy and Smiling

I am 81 years old and have had teeth removed, bridges, and cavities fixed several times to sustain my ability to eat and function....

Costa Rica Court Moves to Lift President Chaves’ Immunity

Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice on Tuesday asked Congress — for the first time in the history of this country with a well-established...

Retired Nicaraguan Army Captain Sentenced to 50 Years for Treason

A retired military officer was sentenced to 50 years in prison in Nicaragua for the crime of "treason against the homeland," his family denounced...

Fishing, Wildlife, and History in Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado

Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado is a magical and charming town. It’s one of the country’s hidden gems, best known for its world-class sport...

El Salvador Slams Paris Fashion Show Inspired by Cecot Mega-Prison Inmates

The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, joked on Saturday that he could send inmates from his mega-prison to France, after they were represented...

Costa Rica Maintains Economic Stability Amid Global Tensions

Costa Rica is holding steady economically despite global tensions sparked by conflicts involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, according to Federico Quesada Chaves,...
Avatar
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica