Kanawha Environmental Literacy Project

As environmental issues become more critical, it is necessary that students become more educated and aware of their environmental impact. This belief is central to the initiation of the Kanawha Environmental Literacy Project at Ohio University. This project, first implemented in 2007, aims to increase the environmental literacy of OU undergraduate students in order to benefit not only the environment, but also the program's participants. As the Kanawha Project's website states, "understanding where you live in relation to the environment is one important component of environmental literacy" (Environmental Studies). Throughout the past year and a half the Kanawha Project has been successful at not only implementing a program, but also expanding it throughout Ohio University and its regional campuses.
Action on the Kanawha Environmental Literacy Project began in the fall of 2006. A survey was conducted to assess the environmental literacy of Ohio University students. Initially over 700 undergraduate students were evaluated as part of this survey, which was sponsored by part of a National Science Foundation grant (Environmental Studies). The survey results indicated that many OU undergraduates have a weak understanding of environmental topics. It became clear that the University needed to take responsibility to increase awareness among its students (Environmental Studies).
Although the results of this survey indicated need for an environmental literacy program, there are many other reasons a program such as the Kanawha project is necessary at Ohio University. First, it is important that people are aware of their environment and understand it, which is dependent on students being environmentally literate. Being "environmentally-literate" means developing an understanding of the environment and how we impact it, being able to address concerns about sustainability, and being prepared to help solve the critical environmental problems that currently face our society (Environmental Studies). It is especially important that students are environmentally literate because they are the ones who will be moving into leadership positions and influencing the sustainability of our country in the future. Students who participate in the Kanawha Project will have an advantage in the workplace as well as be able to make smart environmental choices in their own lives. The proposal for this project was inspired by literacy curriculum developed by the AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education) (Environmental Studies).
The Kanawha Project has many aspirations for both participating professors and students. The program aims to reach out to professors from a variety of departments and help them focus on environmental literacy in their programs. This includes integrating environmental topics into their department’s curriculum. The environmental literacy of their students is tested at the end of the course to determine the effectiveness of the project. In order to participate, professors applied to be considered for the project. Once the participants are selected they sit through a workshop that helps train them on how to integrate sustainability issues into their syllabi (Environmental Studies). Monthly focus groups are held in which “people talked about how to integrate the information into their syllabus” (McCosker).
There are many people who have helped initiate the Kanawha Project at Ohio University, and especially found funding for the program. Michele Morrone, director of the Environmental Studies program at OU, has been critical in implementing this project. After attending a conference at Emory University in 2007, she suggested implementing a similar project at Ohio University. She worked with Nancy Manring, a professor in the Political Science department, to compile a grant to start the project at Ohio University (Monroe). Another key individual has been Loraine McCosker, who serves as the project coordinator for the Kanawha Environmental Literacy Project. Through the hard work of individuals such as these, the project has been able to flourish on campus. Despite the involvement level of dedicated individuals, it would be impossible to initiate a program such as the Kanawha Environmental Literacy Project without funding. The initial financing for this project was an 1804 Grant from the University for the amount of $15,000. This covered the expenses of workshop costs, professor stipends, and supplies including literature for participating professors. After the first year of the project, Loraine McCosker applied a grant from the EPA, which was granted in the amount of $50,000. This grant extended the program for two more years, as well as provided the budget to expand to Ohio University’s regional campuses (Lowe).
So far the Kanawha Project has enjoyed a high level of success. First, there has been great response from participating professors. Loraine McCosker stated that “the faculty overall really appreciated it and liked [the program]…first of all they liked being together in a social setting with faculty from different disciplines.” Furthermore, these professors “liked looking at their courses in another way…obviously the people who applied are interested in learning about sustainability so it spoke to them in some capacity” (McCosker). The program has had such great success that project coordinators were able to expand it to Ohio University’s regional campuses. In order to achieve this McCosker “made contacts with each of the deans [of the regional campuses] and they either appointed someone to help with the recruitment [of professors] or did it themselves.” This has not been an easy task since “several of the campuses are quite large” (McCosker). However, with a lot of dedicated professors and staff the program has successfully been implemented into all five Ohio University regional campuses (Environmental Studies).
Leaders of the project hope to continue the success of the Kanawha project by expanding it even further and reaching different parts of the University. Loraine McCosker stated that “our goal is obviously for it to expand to the regional campuses and also for individuals to take it to their departments” so that there will soon be “environmental communities in departments where folks could meet and talk about integrating and educating the program.” This would allow different departments from across the University to implement sustainability concepts into their coursework in a way that would enhance the courses. It would also generate more ideas and options as more faculty members adjust their syllabi to be more environmentally literate. Another future goal of the project is to continue operation without funding. While the current grant will last two years, McCosker hopes that one day professors and departments will integrate environmental and sustainability issues into their coursework regularly. This seems achievable since the Kanawha Project “seems to be a really good model” (McCosker) for including environmental topics into the classroom.
The Kanawha Environmental Literacy Project is taking the lead on integrating sustainability efforts and environmental concerns into the daily life of students. Considering their environmental impact is not something that most people are currently used to. However, if students can learn how to integrate sustainability into their daily lives the next generation will be able to take the lead and move our country towards a more environmentally friendly future.



Appendix of Interview Questions
Loraine McCosker, Outreach Coordinator for the Environmental Studies department
1. Training for this program began during Winter Intercession of 2007. What was the first quarter that the new environmentally literate syllabi were used?
2. How was Ohio University originally selected to be part of the survey conducted by the National Science Foundation? It is in partnership with Ohio State University, are they doing this at many Ohio institutions?
3. Promotion for the project happened in September/October 2007. How did you promote the project to professors?
4. Did you attend the monthly discussion groups among participating faculty members? Have there been issues or difficulties that the faculty ran into during this process?
5. What were the results of this project? Was the environmental literacy of the students improved?
6. What was the feedback from the faculty? Did they find the program beneficial?
7. A speakeasy article from May stated that you had received funding from the EPA to continue the project for two years, as well as spreading it to regional campuses. Has this been accomplished or is it in the works?
8. The EPA grant provided $50,000 instead of the $15,000 for the first year of the project. How are these funds being used to expand the program?
9. Do you think this project can be run without a budget some day? Is there a chance that it will be integrated without compensation?
10. What are some goals you have for this project that haven’t been realized yet?


Work Cited
Environmental Studies. The Kanawha Project 21 November 2007. Ohio University. 19 Feb. 2009 .

Lowe, Joe. "Professors aim to improve OU's environmental literacy." Speakeasy. 20 May 2008. 20 Feb. 2009 .

McCosker, Loraine. Personal Interview. 20 Feb. 2009.

Monroe, Ashlee. "OU profs brainstorm ways to turn their syllabi green." The Athens News 6 Dec. 2007. The Athens News Database, Athens, OH. 20 Feb. 2009

The Ecological Risks of Dam Construction - Final Revision

For hundreds of years dams have been used as a critical tool for local communities. They have provided people with control over a powerful resource that has provided a water source and power source, as well as a place for recreation and food supply. However, just recently the negative environmental impact of dams has started to become apparent. As the ecological impacts are becoming more researched and understood, many are realizing that the significant ecological impacts that dams have on the surrounding areas outweigh the benefits they may provide. Dams are a serious detriment to the ecosystem of the river and the surrounding environment, as well as water quality and air quality. Because of these drawbacks, the federal government should place restrictions on the construction of dams within the United States so that measures are taken to reduce the environmental impact of dams.
As of 1996, it was estimated that there are about 42,000 large dams containing nearly five times the volume of water contained in all rivers worldwide (Rosenberg). Furthermore, a study by the World Wildlife Foundation found that of the world's 227 largest rivers, more than 60% have been rerouted or fragmented by the creation of dams (WWF). One of the reasons dams are built is for water storage for use by local communities, especially when it gets used for irrigation. Dam construction also helps control the flow of the river, avoiding situations such as floods and droughts that occur naturally (Rosenberg). This also gives humans control over a limited resource and allows them the freedom to decide where and how the river flows. Despite the benefits of dams, possibly the most critical is that dams provide a source of energy to communities. Dams are a great source of hydroelectric power, providing a green option for many communities (Rosenberg). Despite the benefits that dams provide, recently the environmental impact of dams has become a topic of discussion.
The construction of dams can have a serious and irreversible effect on the ecosystem of the river. First, the building of a dam disrupts the migration patterns of the species that inhabit it because it creates a barrier between upstream and downstream. This barrier keeps species from traveling along the river. Clearly, the barrier created by a dam also reduces the number of species that are able to survive in the riverbed, which can upset the entire local ecosystem. Second, a dam can disrupt the migration patterns of other species that travel across the river (McCully 2001).
Another way that dams impact the ecosystem of a river is that creating a reservoir impacts the water temperature of a riverbed. The creation of a much larger surface area usually causes the temperature of the reservoir to increase. This increase in water temperature may allow some species to survive better; however, they will not be natural to the local ecosystem and species that have become inherent to the area may not be able to survive. This increase can also impact the vegetation that is able to survive in the reservoir (McCully 2001).
While the creation of dams has an impact on the river's ecosystem, it can have a significant impact on the delicate ecosystem that surrounds a riverbed as well. The ecosystem that surrounds a river is one of the most diverse natural ecosystems, and the flooding of riverbeds destroy these ecosystems. Also, one of the reasons many dams are built is to manage water levels, especially to stop flooding. Although this may seem like an advantage, the lack of natural flooding can quickly upset the surrounding area. Much of the area is dependent on the natural flooding to survive, and the loss of this flooding can have a negative impact on local vegetation and growth, even threatening their survival. Furthermore, the creation of dams in forested areas often leads to a serious deforestation not only of the immediate riverbed, but for much of the surrounding area. Forest area is lost with the initial creation of the reservoir, but as new farming areas are created and access to remote locations becomes available trees are removed to build roads, houses, and farmland (McCully 2001).
Dams also affect both the sedimentation and the water quality of a riverbed. The creation of dams causes erosion down river because sediment is not being carried from up river. This is detrimental to the upper and lower riverbed and can also affect the water quality for both the reservoir and the river. The lack of water flow through the riverbed means it cannot perform its normal process of removing pollution from the water. Furthermore, over time sedimentation builds up behind the dam, causing it to shallow; this eventually causes its effectiveness as a power source to decrease (Rosenberg).
Dam construction can also cause an increase in the production of greenhouse gases which are detrimental to the environment. The normal process of greenhouse gas creation (such as CO2) and use by the natural ecosystem is disrupted. This can lead to the production and release of large amounts of greenhouse gases, which contributes to the risk of global warming (Rosenberg). Furthermore, the rotting of vegetation caused by the creation of reservoirs gives off a much higher amount of greenhouse gases than is released by natural bodies of water (World Commission).
Although dams offer many benefits to the surrounding communities, their construction cannot continue to be supported until restrictions are put into place to protect the surrounding environment. It is possible for dams to be constructed in a way that protects the fragile ecosystem of the river. A series of measures should be put into place to protect the environment while still offering benefits to the surrounding communities.
One restriction that must be put into place is a clause to protect the sensitive ecosystem of the river. The severe negative drawbacks that dams cause must be avoided whenever possible and reduced only when unavoidable. To achieve this, careful consideration should be given to site selection, including a thorough investigation into the ecosystem and the cycle of the river before a location is finalized so we fully understand how to work with the river and avoid its disruption (World Commission). The construction of the dam should also change to improve the flow from upriver to downriver which will help preserve the ecosystem’s balance. This could be achieved by creating passageways for movement between the upper river and the lower river; these would need to be constructed alongside or through the dam. Allowing animals and sediment to move downstream will help keep balance between the two sides of the dam and keep the ecosystem stable. Finally, there should be a constant effort to maintain structures. This should include ongoing monitoring of the ecosystem of rivers that have been dammed as well as a review of the benefits of the dam. If the ecosystem of the area becomes strained or the dam is not providing clear advantages, it should be removed.
Second, a license or contract should be required for anyone attempting to create a dam. This contract would give the constructor full responsibility for the dam as well as the livelihood of the ecosystem for the time the dam is active. This would include proper removal when the dam is either ineffective or becoming a strain on the environment.
Furthermore, there should be a common set of guidelines and restrictions established by the federal government requiring that all dams are environmentally friendly yet effective and useful. Any group or company wishing to build a dam should agree to these guidelines and provide regular evidence that they are being followed (World Commission). Some states have already started similar programs for dam construction. Washington State’s Department of Ecology requires a permit for anyone attempting to build a dam within the state, as well as submission of plans for the dam’s construction to be reviewed by a professional engineer. The Department of Ecology also offers a set of guidelines regarding topics such as owner responsibilities, dam design and construction, operation and maintenance, and emergency plan information. Offering tools such as these to dam operators will improve the construction and maintenance of dams, which will help decrease the environmental impacts of these dams (Washington State).
Third, the government and private organizations should address dams that have already been built. We must be accountable for them and improve and optimize their effectiveness, as well as upgrade facilities. Unfortunately, it would be very costly to remove all existing dams considering both monetary cost and labor. However, a thorough investigation into existing dams should be started by each state. The most detrimental dams should have plans made to either improve or remove them within a short timeframe.
There have been many instances where dams have been successfully retrofitted or removed to reduce the environmental impact. One example is the Baraboo River Dam in Wisconsin, which was removed in 1998. The dam had changed the rapid river with a healthy ecosystem into “a series of sluggish impoundments” (Exo). After the environmental impact of the dam was noticed, negotiations were held ending in the decision to remove the dam. After almost six months of work the dam was removed, followed by three river cleanups. The local ecosystem quickly re-vegetated and almost returned to its previous condition. Further negotiations were held between the City of Baraboo and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to discuss continuing plans for management of the river. There were many positive outcomes of this removal: the City saved money by removing instead of repairing the structure, the river has been returned to nearly its full function before the damming, there is an accountable owner of the license who has responsibility for maintaining the well-being of the riverbed, and the community will benefit from the improved recreation opportunities (Exo).
With every man-made construction there are both benefits and drawbacks. Though dams have provided humans with many resources, we are entering an age of environmental enlightenment. As the environment becomes more endangered we must consider how each of our actions impacts our surroundings. Because of the many ecological drawbacks of dams we must carefully monitor construction while we find other ways to benefit from our natural waterways.

Work Cited

Exo, John. Restoration of the Baraboo River through Dam Removal: A Summary. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 2006. 19 Feb. 2009. .

McCully, Patrick. Silenced Rivers: The Ecology and Politics of Large Dams. 2001. 28 Jan. 2009. .

Rosenberg, David, McCully, Patrick., and Pringle, Catherine. Environmental Effects of Hydrological Alterations. International Rivers. 28 Jan. 2009. .

The World Commission on Dams. Dams and Development: A New Framework for Decision-Making. 2001. 28 Jan. 2009. .

Washington State Governor’s Office of Regulatory Assistance. Environmental Permit Handbook: Dam Construction Permit. 2008. 5 Feb. 2009. .

World Wildlife Foundation. Dams Initiative 29 March. 2008. 28 Jan. 2009 .

Pollan

I thought that Michael Pollan made several interesting arguments in his work The Omnivore’s Dilemma. Throughout his work he employs a lot of rhetorical strategies to reach out to his reader. The most persuasive of these is the pathos he uses in his writing. He really reaches out and identifies with the reader, explaining how this was an experiment and he wasn’t fully convinced about giving up eating meat. He also identifies many of the defenses that a non-vegetarian reader would have which makes the reader feel understood.

The most interesting argument that I thought Pollan made was that regardless of what we eat, some animal are going to perish. He points out that even in farming animals are killed daily, either because of machinery, pesticides, or crop protection. He also cites the balance of nature as a critical point. If we were to survive solely off of agriculture it would be a huge strain on other resources and would not be sustainable without animals to supplement it. He states that “if our concern is for the health of nature….then eating animals may sometimes be the most ethical thing to do” (Pollan, 327).

I found this argument very unexpected but practical. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard someone make this argument but it makes a lot of sense. Because of the amount of agriculture that would need to be produced to support the number of people in this world, it should be assumed that we are going to have an impact on nature somehow. I think that Pollan uses a lot of logos to support this idea and get people to critically think about what our world would be like if we survived on agriculture alone. Personally as a meat-eater, I found this concept a little reassuring.

The Ecological Risks of Dam Construction - Revision

For hundreds of years dams have been used as a critical tool for local communities. They have provided people with control over a powerful resource that has provided a water source and power source, as well as a place for recreation and food supply. However, just recently the negative environmental impact of dams has started to become apparent. As the ecological impacts are becoming more researched and understood, many are realizing that the significant ecological impacts that dams have on the surrounding areas outweigh the benefits they may provide. Dams are a serious detriment to the ecosystem of the river and the surrounding environment, as well as water quality and air quality. Because of these drawbacks, the federal government should place restrictions on the construction of dams within the United States so that measures are taken to reduce the environmental impact of dams.

As of 1996, it was estimated that there are about 42,000 large dams containing nearly five times the volume of water contained in all rivers worldwide (Rosenberg). Furthermore, a study by the World Wildlife Foundation found that of the world's 227 largest rivers, more than 60% have been rerouted or fragmented by the creation of dams (WWF). One of the reasons dams are built is for water storage for use by local communities, especially when so that it be used for irrigation. Dam construction also helps control the flow of the river, avoiding situations such as floods and droughts that are occur naturally (Rosenberg). This also gives humans control over a limited research and allows them the freedom to decide where and how the river flows. Despite the many benefits of dams, possibly the most critical is that many dams provide a source of energy to communities. Dams are a great source of hydroelectric power, providing a green option for many communities (Rosenberg). Despite the benefits that dams provide, recently the environmental impact of dams has become a topic of discussion.

The construction of dams can have a serious and irreversible effect on the ecosystem of the river. First, the building of a dam disrupts the migration patterns of the species that inhabit it because it creates a barrier between upstream and downstream. This barrier keeps species from traveling along the river. Clearly, the barrier created by a dam also reduces the number of species that are able to survive in the riverbed, which can upset the entire local ecosystem. Second, a dam can disrupt the migration patterns of other species that travel across the river (McCully 2001).

Another way that dams impact the ecosystem of a river is that creating a reservoir impacts the water temperature of a riverbed. The creation of a much larger surface area usually causes the temperature of the reservoir to increase. This increase in water temperature may allow some species to survive better; however, they will not be natural to the local ecosystem and species that have become inherent to the area may not be able to survive. This increase can also impact the vegetation that is able to survive in the reservoir (McCully 2001).

While the creation of dams has an impact on the river's ecosystem, it can have a significant impact on the delicate ecosystem that surrounds a riverbed as well. The ecosystem that surrounds a river is one of the most diverse natural ecosystems, and the flooding of riverbeds destroy these ecosystems. Also, one of the reasons many dams are built is to manage water levels, especially to stop flooding. Although this may seem like an advantage, the lack of natural flooding can quickly upset the surrounding area. Much of the area is dependent on the natural flooding to survive, and the loss of this flooding can have a negative impact on local vegetation and growth, even threatening their survival. Furthermore, the creation of dams in forested areas often leads to a serious deforestation not only of the immediate riverbed, but for much of the surrounding area. Forest area is lost with the initial creation of the reservoir, but as new farming areas are created and access to remote locations becomes available trees are removed to build roads, houses, and farmland (McCully 2001).

Dams also affect both the sedimentation and the water quality of a riverbed. The creation of dams causes erosion down river because sediment is not being carried from up river. This is detrimental to the upper and lower riverbed and can also affect the water quality for both the reservoir and the river. The lack of water flow through the riverbed means it cannot perform its normal process of removing pollution from the water. Furthermore, over time sedimentation builds up behind the dam, causing it to shallow; this eventually causes its effectiveness as a power source to decrease (Rosenberg).

Dam construction can also cause an increase in the production of greenhouse gases which are detrimental to the environment. The normal process of greenhouse gas creation (such as CO2) and use by the natural ecosystem is disrupted. This can lead to the production and release of large amounts of greenhouse gases, which contributes to the risk of global warming (Rosenberg). Furthermore, the rotting of vegetation caused by the creation of reservoirs gives off a much higher amount of greenhouse gases than is released by natural bodies of water (World Commission).

Although dams offer many benefits to the surrounding communities, their construction cannot continue to be supported until restrictions are put into place to protect the surrounding environment. It is possible for dams to be constructed in a way that protects the fragile ecosystem of the river. A series of measures should be put into place to protect the environment while still offering benefits to the surrounding communities.

One restriction that must be put into place is a clause to protect the sensitive ecosystem of the river. The severe negative drawbacks that dams cause must be avoided whenever possible and reduced only when unavoidable. To achieve this, careful consideration should be given to site selection, including a thorough investigation into the ecosystem and the cycle of the river before a location is finalized so we fully understand how to work with the river and avoid its disruption (World Commission). The construction of the dam should also change to improve the flow from upriver to downriver which will help preserve the ecosystem’s balance. Finally, there should be a constant effort to maintain structures. This should include ongoing monitoring of the ecosystem of rivers that have been dammed as well as a review of the benefits of the dam. If the ecosystem of the area becomes strained or the dam is not providing clear advantages, it should be removed.

Second, a license or contract should be required for anyone attempting to create a dam. This contract would give the constructor full responsibility for the dam as well as the livelihood of the ecosystem for the time the dam is active. This would include proper removal when the dam is either ineffective or becoming a strain on the environment.

Furthermore, there should be a common set of guidelines and restrictions established by the federal government requiring that all dams are environmentally friendly yet effective and useful. Any group or company wishing to build a dam should agree to these guidelines and provide regular evidence that they are being followed (World Commission). Some states have already started similar programs for dam construction. Washington State’s Department of Ecology requires a permit for anyone attempting to build a dam within the state, as well as submission of plans for the dam’s construction to be reviewed by a professional engineer. The Department of Ecology also offers a set of guidelines regarding topics such as owner responsibilities, dam design and construction, operation and maintenance, and emergency plan information. Offering tools such as these to dam operators will improve the construction and maintenance of dams, which will help decrease the environmental impacts of these dams (Washington State).

Third, the government and private organizations should address dams that have already been built. We must take accountability for them and improve and optimize their effectiveness, as well as upgrade facilities. Unfortunately, it would be very costly to remove all existing dams considering both monetary cost and labor. However, a thorough investigation into existing dams should be started by each state. The most detrimental dams should have plans made to either improve or remove them within a short timeframe.

With every man-made construction there are both benefits and drawbacks. Though dams have provided humans with many resources, we are entering an age of environmental enlightenment. As the environment becomes more endangered we must consider how each of our actions impacts our surroundings. Because of the many ecological drawbacks of dams we must carefully monitor construction while find other ways to benefit from our natural waterways.

Work Cited

McCully, Patrick. Silenced Rivers: The Ecology and Politics of Large Dams. 2001. 28 Jan. 2009. <http://www.internationalrivers.org/en/node/1636>.

Rosenberg, David, McCully, Patrick., and Pringle, Catherine. Environmental Effects of Hydrological Alterations. International Rivers. 28 Jan. 2009. .

The World Commission on Dams. Dams and Development: A New Framework for Decision-Making. 2001. 28 Jan. 2009. .

Washington State Governor’s Office of Regulatory Assistance. Environmental Permit Handbook: Dam Construction Permit. 2008. 5 Feb. 2009. .

World Wildlife Foundation. Dams Initiative 29 March. 2008. 28 Jan. 2009 .

Legitimate Paraphrasing

Original Text:
The World Commission on Dams
Dams and Development: A New Framework for Decision-Making
The Report of the World Commission on Dams

Options assessment and decision-making around river development prioritises the avoidance of impacts, followed by the minimisation and mitigation of harm to the health and integrity of the river system. Avoiding impacts through good site selection and project design is a priority. Releasing tailor-made environmental flows can help maintain downstream ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

• A basin-wide understanding of the ecosystem's functions, values and requirements, and how community livelihoods depend on and influence them, is required before decisions on development options are made

• Decisions value ecosystem, social and health issues as an integral part of project and river basin development, and avoidance of impacts is given priority, in accordance with a precautionary approach

Paraphrase:

The severe negative drawbacks that dam construction cause must be avoided whenever possible and reduced only when unavoidable. To achieve this, careful consideration should be given to site selection, including a thorough investigation into the ecosystem and the cycle of the river before a location is finalized so we fully understand how to work with the river and avoid its disruption (World Commission).

The Risks of Dam Construction

For hundreds of years dams have been used one as a critical tool for local communities. They have provided people with control over a powerful resource that has provided a water source and power source, as well as a place for recreation and food supply. However, just recently the negative environmental impact of dams has started to become apparent. As the ecological impacts are becoming more researched and understood, many are realizing that the significant ecological impacts that dams have on the surrounding areas outweigh the benefits they may provide. Dams are a serious detriment to the ecosystem of the river, the surrounding environment, water quality, and air quality. Because of these drawbacks, the federal government should ban the construction of dams within the United States unless measures are taken to reduce the risks of dam construction.

As of 1996, it was estimated that there are about 42,000 large dams worldwide containing nearly 10,000 km³, five times the volume of water contained in all rivers worldwide (Rosenberg). Furthermore, a study by the World Wildlife Foundation found that of the world's 227 largest rivers, more than 60% have been rerouted or fragmented by the creation of dams (WWF). One of the reasons dams are built is for water storage for use by local communities, especially when it can be used for irrigation (Rosenberg). Dam construction also helps control the flow of the river, avoiding situations such as floods and droughts that are naturally occurring (Rosenberg). This also gives humans control over a limited research and allows them the freedom to decide where and how the river flows. Despite the many benefits of dams, possibly the most critical is that many dams provide a source of energy to communities. Dams are a great source of hydroelectric power, providing a green option for many communities (Rosenberg). Despite the benefits that dams provide, recently the environmental impact of dams has become a topic of discussion.

The construction of dams can have a serious and irreversible effect on the ecosystem of the river. First, the building of a dam disrupts the migration patterns of the species that inhabit it because it creates a barrier between species upstream and downstream. This barrier keeps species from traveling along the river, and also causes inbreeding among the species which can hurt its chance of survival (McCully 2001). Clearly, the barrier created by a dam also reduces the number of species that are able to survive in the riverbed which can upset the entire local ecosystem (McCully 2001). Second, a dam can disrupt the migration patterns of other species who used to travel across the river (McCully 2001). The building of dams also leads to the loss of aquatic biodiversity, including fisheries, floodplains, wetlands, and adjacent ecosystems (World Commission).

Another way that dams impact the ecosystem of a river is that creating a reservoir impacts the water temperature of a riverbed. The creation of a much larger surface area usually causes the temperature of the reservoir to increase. This increase in water temperature may allow some species to survive better; however, they will not be natural to the local ecosystem and species that have become inherent to the area may not be able to survive (McCully 2001). This increase can also impact the vegetation that is able to survive in the reservoir (McCully 2001).

While the creation of dams presumably has an impact on the river's ecosystem, it can have a significant impact on the delicate ecosystem that surrounds a riverbed as well. The ecosystem that surrounds a river is one of the most diverse natural ecosystems, and the flooding of riverbeds destroy these ecosystems (McCully 2001). Furthermore, one of the reasons many dams are built is to manage water levels, especially to stop flooding. Although this may seem like an advantage, the lack of natural flooding can quickly upset the surrounding area. Much of the surrounding area may be dependent on the natural flooding to survive, and the loss of this flooding can have a negative impact on local vegetation and growth even threatening their survival (McCully 2001). Furthermore, the creation of dams in forested areas often leads to a serious deforestation not only of the immediate riverbed, but for much of the surrounding area. Forest area is lost with the initial creation of the reservoir, but as new farming areas are created and access to remote locations becomes available trees are removed to build roads, houses, and farmland (McCully 2001).

Dams also affect both the sedimentation and the water quality of a riverbed. The creation of dams causes erosion down river because sediment is not being carried from up river. This is detrimental to the upper and lower riverbed and can also affect the water quality for both the reservoir and the river. The lack of water flow through the riverbed means that it fails its normal process of removing both natural pollutants and outside sources of pollution from the water (Rosenberg). Furthermore, over time sedimentation builds up behind the dam, causing it to shallow; this eventually causes its effectiveness as a power source to decrease.

Dam construction can also cause an increase in the production of greenhouse gases which are detrimental to the environment. The normal process of greenhouse gas (such as CO2) creation and use by the natural ecosystem is disrupted. This can lead to the production and release of large amounts of greenhouse gases, which contributes to the risk of global warming (Rosenberg). Furthermore, the rotting of vegetation due to the creation of reservoirs gives off a much higher amount of greenhouse gases than is released by natural bodies of water (World Commission).

With every man-made construction there are both benefits and drawbacks. Though the construction of dams has provided humans with many resources, we are entering an age of environmental enlightenment. As the environment becomes more endangered we must consider how each of our actions impact our surroundings. Because of the many ecological drawbacks of dams we must cease construction and find other ways to benefit from our natural waterways.