Sustainable or senseless? Global lessons from dam building

The steep decline in freshwater biodiversity is a major cause for concern. Over the same period there has been a sharp increase in dam construction, with more than 3000 dams planned or proposed by 2030. The benefits of dams for water supply, irrigation and energy production are noted, but in repeating the common mistakes (Seven Sins of Dam Building) dam development has resulted in massive negative social and environmental impacts. By learning from past mistakes and using the available tools and standards, governments, industry and financiers can reach more balanced and sustainable outcomes. This paper draws from World Wide Fund’s hydropower expertise with particular emphasis on Latin America and hydropower dams. © 2017 ICE Publishing. All rights reserved.