The environmental impact of large scale hydroelectric development: lessons from Three Gorges

As a global recognition and concern over the potential effects of climate change due to the increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, hydroelectric becomes one of the most favorable renewable energies with no greenhouse gases emission. Africa is the continent that riches in the hydro-power. However, most of them are not fully developed. There are general consents in the global community to develop the hydroelectric in this region to benefit both local community and neighboring countries. This panel would like to discuss the issues that have been encountered at the "Three Gorges" development in China. They will be the valuable references for the similar development in Africa.