Which one of the following statements is not true for hydropower gener...
Concept:
- A dam is a barrier that blocks flowing water or sends it in a new direction.
- A dam can be made of various material.
- People throughout the world have built dams since ancient times.
Explanation:
About Dams:
- A dam must be high enough and strong enough to keep the water from flowing forward.
- People build dams to keep rivers from flooding and to save water.
- During heavy rains, a river’s waters may rise too high.
- Without a dam to contain it, the extra water is wasted as it flows away unused.
- With a dam in place, a deep reservoir, or pool, of water builds up behind the dam.
- This extra water can be put to many good uses.
- It might be used as a lake for boating or swimming, for drinking water, for farm irrigation, or in manufacturing.
Important Points
About Hydropower generation:
Thus,
- Dams encourage sustainable growth: is not true
- It does not pollute water or air: is true
- Hydropower facilities can have large environmental impacts: is true
- Dams displace indigenous people from their river lifelines: is true
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Which one of the following statements is not true for hydropower gener...
Understanding Hydropower and Dams
Hydropower is a significant renewable energy source, but its development through river dams can lead to various consequences. Let's analyze why the statement "Dams encourage sustainable growth" is not true.
Impacts of Dams on Sustainable Growth
- Environmental Disruption:
- Dams can alter natural water flow, affecting ecosystems. This disruption can lead to the loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction.
- Displacement of Communities:
- Large dam projects often require significant land, leading to the relocation of indigenous peoples and local communities. This dislocation disrupts their cultural and economic ties to the land and water.
- Sedimentation Issues:
- Dams can trap sediments that are crucial for maintaining river health and supporting downstream ecosystems. This can lead to downstream erosion and negatively impact agricultural lands.
Pollution and Environmental Impact
- Water Quality Concerns:
- While hydropower itself does not produce air pollution, the creation of reservoirs can lead to water quality issues, such as increased methane emissions from decomposing organic matter.
- Altered Fish Migration:
- Dams can obstruct fish migration routes, leading to decreased fish populations and negatively impacting local fishing economies.
Conclusion
While hydropower is a renewable energy source, the construction and operation of dams can have substantial negative impacts, making the assertion that they encourage sustainable growth misleading. It's crucial to weigh the benefits against the environmental and social costs associated with dam projects. Thus, the statement in option 'A' is indeed not accurate.