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Silenced Rivers: The Ecology and Politics of Large Dams
Entirely updated in the light of the recent World Commission on Dams Report, and responding to it, this new edition of Patrick McCully's now classic study shows why large dams have become such a controversial technology in both industrialized and developing countries. The book explains the history and politics of dam building worldwide and shows why large dams have become so controversial. It details the ecological and human impacts of large dams, and shows how the 'national interest' argument is used to legitimize uneconomic and unjust projects which benefit elites while impoverishing tens of millions, describes the technical, safety and economic problems of dam technology, the structure of the international dam-building industry, and the role played by international banks and aid agencies.
It tells the story of the rapid growth of the international anti-dam movement, and recounts some of the most important anti-dam campaigns around the world. McCully shows how the dam lobby and governments have reacted to criticism by cosmetic 'greening' of the dam-building process, and through state repression outlines the alternatives to dams, and argues that their replacement by less destructive alternatives requires the opening up of the industry's practices to public scrutiny.
It tells the story of the rapid growth of the international anti-dam movement, and recounts some of the most important anti-dam campaigns around the world. McCully shows how the dam lobby and governments have reacted to criticism by cosmetic 'greening' of the dam-building process, and through state repression outlines the alternatives to dams, and argues that their replacement by less destructive alternatives requires the opening up of the industry's practices to public scrutiny.
432 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 17, 2007
It is a common argument that large dam construction opponents are radical, and are not thinking the "facts" through logically. It is a common argument that these so-called radicals are unconcerned with the greatest common good, and are concentrating on a few tribals and farmers who happened to have their lives destroyed for the sake of benefiting thousands of other lives. Sadly, a majority of people have no idea what the "huge fuss" is concerning large dams. "Why the huge fuss," they ask, "over a few farmers?" These questions are asked by many citizens of the international community. If large dams are helping a developing country move forward in a modern world, why not build more? All over the world, large dams are in the spotlight of international development -- and they haven't arrived there without reason.
A large majority of people movements, protests, and literature that has been written on large dams is seemingly radical. The alleged radical nature of people against large dams prevents the general public from taking the issue seriously. It is also true that many protestors all over the world today do a lot of screaming and shouting about a lot of issues without a rational basis of their own, regardless over whether or not the issue is a significant one. The important thing to remember in spite of this, is that there is a logical bases for arguments against the construction large dams, and McCully does an excellent job of constructing and expressing these arguments.
This book brilliantly highlights the politics behind large dam construction, focusing primarily on the environmental issues surrounding large dam construction, but also brings to light some of the key issues involving the displacement of people. Unfortunately, I do not feel that McCully gives enough attention to alternatives to large dam construction. Overall, however, this book is well worth the read, and serves as an excellent introduction to the topic.
A large majority of people movements, protests, and literature that has been written on large dams is seemingly radical. The alleged radical nature of people against large dams prevents the general public from taking the issue seriously. It is also true that many protestors all over the world today do a lot of screaming and shouting about a lot of issues without a rational basis of their own, regardless over whether or not the issue is a significant one. The important thing to remember in spite of this, is that there is a logical bases for arguments against the construction large dams, and McCully does an excellent job of constructing and expressing these arguments.
This book brilliantly highlights the politics behind large dam construction, focusing primarily on the environmental issues surrounding large dam construction, but also brings to light some of the key issues involving the displacement of people. Unfortunately, I do not feel that McCully gives enough attention to alternatives to large dam construction. Overall, however, this book is well worth the read, and serves as an excellent introduction to the topic.
August 3, 2017
Fantastic overview of the ecological and societal effects of large dams, the history of dam construction, and the political underpinnings of large dam creation.
January 13, 2020
Detailed review in few months.
September 8, 2020
I first became aware of Patrick McCully after watching "Patagonia Rising", a document about five hydroelectric dam projects being challenged in the Patagonia region of South America, just under 10 years ago. Out of curiosity, I recently looked up some information on Patrick McCully and found that he had written a book about dams back in the mid 1990's.
Patrick McCully has written and incredibly important and well-researched book about big dam projects. He addresses the spiraling costs of these projects, as well as the secret committees and backroom political dealings that make these projects possible. The number of people affected either by being displaced or killed is staggering. The political motivations behind some of these projects, especially by countries with authoritarian governments, raises many red flags as the projects are directly linked to the suppression of indigenous communities that rely on the rivers for their livelihood.
I honestly don't understand how anyone could walk away from reading a book like this and have any kind of support for hydroelectric dams, especially when there are so many other better alternatives that are less-costly, and less destructive to the environment. It is an incredibly important read if you are an environmentalist or someone who supports environmental causes.
Patrick McCully has written and incredibly important and well-researched book about big dam projects. He addresses the spiraling costs of these projects, as well as the secret committees and backroom political dealings that make these projects possible. The number of people affected either by being displaced or killed is staggering. The political motivations behind some of these projects, especially by countries with authoritarian governments, raises many red flags as the projects are directly linked to the suppression of indigenous communities that rely on the rivers for their livelihood.
I honestly don't understand how anyone could walk away from reading a book like this and have any kind of support for hydroelectric dams, especially when there are so many other better alternatives that are less-costly, and less destructive to the environment. It is an incredibly important read if you are an environmentalist or someone who supports environmental causes.
August 4, 2011
Anyone who claim that the three gorges dam on Yanze river is a good idea, should read this book first before they claim it again!
November 4, 2017
This book is an essential. It debunks the idea that big dams are good for society.
July 24, 2022
A work of extreme hard work and dedicated scholarship.
It successfully and beautifully exposes the dangers and pitfalls of big dams.
Also exposes big profiteers and selfish lobbies behind this Himalayan blunder being committed all over the world.
It successfully and beautifully exposes the dangers and pitfalls of big dams.
Also exposes big profiteers and selfish lobbies behind this Himalayan blunder being committed all over the world.
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October 31, 2007This is a very comprehensive book related to the problems that large dams have posed.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews