RJA #9b: Argument

RJA#9b: Argument

Research Question:
Should we continue to build dams even though they cause significant damage economically and environmentally?

Thesis/claim:
Production of dams should be stopped because of the extreme economic and environmental impacts they incur.

4 Reasons:
- Construction of dams causes a mass displacement of people that rely on the agriculture rich areas (that are about to be destroyed because of the dam) for their livelihood. They are relocated often times in urban areas and have to re-learn how to live
- Dams completely reshape the ecosystems and biodiversity of rivers. By doing this, plants and animals that once relied on the river for nourishment are forced to relocate themselves, adapt, or die.
- Dams breed disease. Large lakes (reservoirs) that pool up behind a dam trap and warm the water. This becomes a breeding ground and active area for bugs that are prone to carrying disease. (e.g. mosquitoes carrying malaria)
- Dams also trap sediment that normally would be rich with nutrients to sustain life downstream. Sometimes the sediment can be so thick that it takes up more room than water in the reservoir.

3 objections/counterarguments:
- Dams provide a “good” source of hydro-electricity, providing power to thousands of people
- Dams supply fresh drinking water to areas in need
- Dams ration water through irrigation to drought prone/stricken areas
- Dams are a better alternative to power rather than coal