ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF LARGE-SCALE HYDROELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT - WHO IS LISTENING

The most often heard claims in support of large scale hydroelectric de velopment are: (1) hydropower generation is 'clean', (2) water flowing freely to the ocean Is 'wasted', and (3) local residents (usually abo riginals) will benefit from the development. These three claims are cr itically examined using case histories from Canada and elsewhere in th e world. The critique is based mainly on journal articles and books, m aterial that is readily available to the public, and reveals that the three claims cannot be supported by fact. Nevertheless, large scale hy droelectric development continues on a worldwide basis. The public nee ds to be well informed about the environmental and social consequences of large scale hydroelectric development in order to narrow the gap b etween its wishes for environmental protection and what is realty occu rring.