China says dams not to blame for low Mekong levels

China says dams not to blame for low Mekong levels

Quarter 4

Article 10

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6341A620100405

Reuters.com

The area covered is global.

Summary:

The Mekong River in China has shown extremely large water level drops recently. Their government is denying that it is the many dams present on the river and blaming it on abnormally dry weather. Neighboring countries of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos have also been affected by the water level drops. The major players in this controversy are requesting more data from China's hydroelectric stations to get a better idea of what may be causing the decreased water flow. As the meetings go on, China has shut down one of their hydroelectric dams to prevent impacts on fish migration.

Opinion:

I think that it is probably a combination of both the numerous dams and the dry weather that is causing such a decreased water flow. This article is a perfect example of how a renewable resource like hydroelectric power could have negative effects on the environment. Everything that alters the natural environment has a consequence.

Definition:

Mekong River: one of the worlds largest rivers that services about 6 countries in south east asia.