In recent years,
the want and need for renewable energy has spiraled in the hopes of protecting
our environment. Looking at Canada in particular, we have to question, what
exactly are we doing in terms of renewable energy and what are the implications
on the environment?
Global climate change has sparked an outbreak of awareness on how to reduce green house gasses (GHGs) in our environment. Many ways that our country has responded to this is implicating other sources of power and energy such as wind, water and solar radiation. Another renewable energy source that has been brought to light, is the use of the offshore resources for energy generation, towing with it changes in policy to promote the conservation of marine habitats and species. Despite what you might think, there has been little scientific research done to predict or manage the ecological implications that come along with such renewable energy sources. This type of renewable energy is also compatible with the theory of hydro-electricity or hydro. Even though the use of hydro has been proven to be much more beneficial than the sources of energy that we’re currently using (oil and gas), and there has been much more research done on the topic, it still has some harsh implications for marine habitats and species. Salmon for example travel upstream in order to reproduce. The input of dams/dykes that are necessary for hydro, are impeding the salmon from migrating upstream. This negatively impacts their spawning cycles and thus will eventually cause a decrease in population size. As Newfoundlanders, we see such resources being put into action right in our own back yard. With having the second largest generating capacity in North America and also the second largest underground power station in the world, we can consider ourselves front-runners for utilizing our available resources in the hydro-electricity sector. In saying that, we need to be aware of the implications of such dams. Salmon are an important resource in the area, and a lack of management could not only hurt our ecological resources, but also have great repercussions economically as well.
Overall, even though hydro has some negative affects (like all sources of renewable energy) it has more positives ones such as the conservation of our non-renewable resources and thus the protection of vast land that has been eyed for cultivation
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/hydropower-plant.htm
Global climate change has sparked an outbreak of awareness on how to reduce green house gasses (GHGs) in our environment. Many ways that our country has responded to this is implicating other sources of power and energy such as wind, water and solar radiation. Another renewable energy source that has been brought to light, is the use of the offshore resources for energy generation, towing with it changes in policy to promote the conservation of marine habitats and species. Despite what you might think, there has been little scientific research done to predict or manage the ecological implications that come along with such renewable energy sources. This type of renewable energy is also compatible with the theory of hydro-electricity or hydro. Even though the use of hydro has been proven to be much more beneficial than the sources of energy that we’re currently using (oil and gas), and there has been much more research done on the topic, it still has some harsh implications for marine habitats and species. Salmon for example travel upstream in order to reproduce. The input of dams/dykes that are necessary for hydro, are impeding the salmon from migrating upstream. This negatively impacts their spawning cycles and thus will eventually cause a decrease in population size. As Newfoundlanders, we see such resources being put into action right in our own back yard. With having the second largest generating capacity in North America and also the second largest underground power station in the world, we can consider ourselves front-runners for utilizing our available resources in the hydro-electricity sector. In saying that, we need to be aware of the implications of such dams. Salmon are an important resource in the area, and a lack of management could not only hurt our ecological resources, but also have great repercussions economically as well.
Overall, even though hydro has some negative affects (like all sources of renewable energy) it has more positives ones such as the conservation of our non-renewable resources and thus the protection of vast land that has been eyed for cultivation
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/hydropower-plant.htm - Guo, Z., Li, Y., Xiao, X., Zhang, L., & Gan, Y. (2007). Hydroelectricity production and forest conservation in watersheds. Ecological Applications, 17(6), 1557-1562
- Clugston, M., & Halley, P. (1998). Power struggle: Plans for a joint labrador-quebec hydro project heal old wounds and re-open others. Canadian Geographic, 118(7), 58-76
So what other aspects of dams might affect the environment? Is it just salmon?
ReplyDeleteThat's what we were wondering too. Also you mentioned our "offshore" renewable resources. Were you referring to using the ocean as a form of hydroelectricity or as another form of renewable energy? Any clarification would be great!
ReplyDeleteWith the construction of dams, are the companies required to put in other mechanisms to aid in the movement of fish around the dam. (i.e. fish ladders or constructed fishways depending on the size of the dam)?
ReplyDeleteNice general foray into hydro development, but you have not really considered the broad range of conservation concerns about Hydro. Why not compare the development of the Upper Churchill vs. the Great Whale (Grand Baleine) hydro developments in James Bay region of Quebec? Think about mercury release into watersheds, about organic matter degradation, loss of forest, and about the power line routes, how the electricity gets to market ....
ReplyDelete