RJA#12a: Annotated Bibliography, Part 3

1.)
Bezlova, Antoaneta. "Three Gorges Dam May Displace Millions More." Environment China 12 Oct. 2007. Web. 13 Feb. 2010.

Antoaneta gives some powerful statistics regarding dam displacement. Not only does she account for reservoir displacement, but she sheds an interesting light on the thousands to millions more that will need to evacuate based on repercussions from dam development. Bezlova is very factual, taking great care to be a voice for the people affected adversely because of dams. She advocates for their rights, and is a powerful resource for people displaced by dams. Very concise!

2.)
Pamoa, E. Tedonkeng, and M N. Tchambab. "Elephants and Vegetation Change in the Sahelo-Soudanian Region of Cameroon." Journal of Arid Environments 48.3 (2001): 243-53. Print.

This was an interesting journal, although only some of it applied to me. It did account for the biodiversity affected as a side effect of dams. Typically we think of aquatic life being affected by dams, however this journal argues (as in the case for elephants) that it goes beyond just affected aquatic life. It affects migratory patterns of many species, elephants in particular in this case, because dam infrastructure has such monumental affects. This journal is good at encompassing vegetation change etc, but I was more focused with what they had to say regarding migratory routes.

3.)
Xi, Juan, Sean-Shong Hwang, Xiaotian Feng, Xiaofei Qiao Qiao, and Yue Cao. "Perceived Risks and Benefits of the Three Gorges Project." Sociological Perspectives 50.2 (2007): 323-37. Print.

This article was a good non-biased, very objective source for the cost/benefit analysis of dam displacement and environmental damage. It illustrated the gains as well as the loses. While their were writing from a Chinese perspective on the Three Gorges Dam in China, it is clear that though they are being objective, they are clearly in support of the dam. Even though this dam is said to be the most catastrophic known to man. At any rate, they do give a good opinion of what they believe is worth the risk to provide to "the greater good of the people."

4.)
Cantor, Doug. "5 of the Largest, Oddest and most Useless State Projects." cnn.com/living. CNN, 12 Oct. 2006. Web. 27 July 2007.

This article was funny and factual. Doug Cantor briefly describes how the Teton Dam was useless. He describes how the government could have avoided unneeded damages, costs, and lives had they been more receptive to suggestions about preventative care maintenance. At any rate, Cantor describes the demise of the dam, and the damage it caused as a result of complacency. He describes the dangers of dam infrastructure as they age, and cannot support itself anymore without maintenance.

5.)
Pearce, Fred. When the Rivers Run Dry. Boston: Beacon Press Books, 2006. 130-40. Print.

Gives really good statistics, and information regarding water crisis and how dams really aren't the solution. Fred Pearce conveys the information easily and makes you understand just how detrimental dams really are. His book primarily focuses on environmental aspects, and how grand a scale they play in society. He also offers a comparison of a cost/benefit analysis. This source was VERY helpful!