The Hydro Dam Gold Rush in the 7os

The Hydro Dam Gold Rush: Shaping Modern Beliefs

In the '70s, the world witnessed a rush for hydro dams, fueled by dreams of clean energy. This rush didn't just bring economic changes; it planted ideas that still influence how we see dams today.

The 1970s Hydro Dam Gold Rush: The Start
Back in the 1970s, everyone wanted to tap into river power. Governments and big companies, drawn by the promise of 'green' energy, went on a dam-building spree. Their goal? To get a cleaner and seemingly endless power supply.

Effects on Today's Hydro Dam Talk: Echoes of the Gold Rush
The consequences of this rush still affect us. Back then, it was sold as an answer to environmental worries, but oddly, it set the stage for constant lobbying and a strong belief that dams are the cure for our energy needs.

Building the Belief System: Sustainability in Concrete
In the '70s, dams were seen as symbols of progress that's good for the environment. This image stuck with us. Even though we now know dams have costs, the idea that hydropower is green became part of our thinking.

The Story We Live With Today: Dams as Green Icons
The hydro dam gold rush created a story where dams, despite causing environmental problems, are seen as icons of clean energy. Lobbying, pushed by big money, keeps this story going, often hiding other, less harmful energy choices.

Today's Struggles: Dealing with the Legacy
Now, we're dealing with the legacy of thinking of hydropower as a perfect solution. As we fight climate change and try to save the environment, we need to understand the history of the 1970s and rethink how we see dams today.

Unraveling the Gold Rush: Understanding Our Present

By digging into the history of the hydro dam gold rush, we can better see why things are complicated today. This journey through time shows us the tricky details of a story that, even though it started in a different time, still affects our views on dams and green energy.

Global Phenomenon: The '70s Hydro Dam Gold Rush
This wasn't just a local thing; it was a global phenomenon. Countries all over the world were searching for new energy because of worries about oil and damage to the environment. Key moments in this gold rush include:

  1. Where It Started and Spread:
    North America: It began in the U.S. in the 1930s, with a renewed push in the '70s. Europe: Early '70s energy crisis made countries like the UK turn to hydropower. Impact of Wars: Wars, like the Yom Kippur War (1973), made hydro dams more attractive due to increased oil prices.

  2. Environmental Disasters and Awareness:
    1975 - Banqiao Dam (China): Catastrophic failure caused huge flooding and around 171,000 deaths. Environmental Awareness: Late '70s and early '80s saw more attention to the environmental impacts, especially in developed nations.

  3. Anti-Dam Movement:
    1970s - 1980s: People started protesting against specific dams. Activists like David Brower fought against projects like the Echo Park Dam in the U.S. 1980s - 1990s: The movement grew globally, with campaigns against large projects like the Narmada Dam in India.

  4. Lobbyists and Profits:
    International Institutions: Organizations like the World Bank played a big part in funding dam projects. Corporate Interests: Private companies in dam construction, like Bechtel and Fluor, lobbied for policies they liked. Political Connections: Well-connected people often influenced dam projects. For example, in Indonesia, the government and private companies worked together.

  5. Economic Considerations:
    Profits: Even though people talked a lot about the money dams could make, they often didn't talk enough about the environmental and social costs. Financial Issues: Going over budget was common. The Three Gorges Dam in China, started in the '90s, had big cost overruns.

  6. Paradigm Shift:
    Late 20th Century: In the late 20th century, things changed. People started noticing the environmental impacts more. The '80s and '90s had more questioning and opposition to big dam projects.

  7. Notable Figures:
    David Brower: An important person in the early anti-dam movement. His activism helped cancel the Echo Park Dam. The hydro dam gold rush left us with a mix of economic benefits and environmental worries. The awareness from that time helps us understand the effects of big dam construction on nature and communities.