Top 7 Documentaries on Three Gorges Dam's Environmental Impact

The Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric power station, has sparked a vast array of environmental debates and concerns since its completion. This monumental structure on the Yangtze River in China has been both lauded for its engineering feats and criticized for its ecological and social impacts.

This article highlights seven documentaries that provide a deeper understanding of the environmental impact of the Three Gorges Dam. These films cover various perspectives, ranging from scientific assessments to personal stories of those affected, offering a comprehensive look at one of the most ambitious and controversial projects in modern history.

1) Scene from 'Up the Yangtze' (2007)

"Up the Yangtze" provides a poignant view of the monumental Three Gorges Dam project and its significant ramifications on local communities.

The documentary follows the Yu family, particularly focusing on their 16-year-old daughter who takes up work in the cruise ship industry to support her family.

Their story exemplifies the struggles faced by those displaced by the dam, highlighting the personal costs of China's modernization efforts.

It also provides a broader context of the cultural and environmental transformations occurring along the Yangtze River due to this immense project.

The beauty and tragedy of the changing landscape are vividly captured, offering viewers a compelling glimpse into the lives disrupted by this massive undertaking.

For further information, see IMDb.

2) 'Still Life' directed by Jia Zhangke (2006)

'Still Life,' directed by Jia Zhangke, provides a poignant look at the societal changes brought by the Three Gorges Dam project.

The film, set in the town of Fengjie, portrays the lives of two individuals searching for their estranged spouses. The backdrop of a village being demolished and flooded due to the dam's construction underscores the film’s narrative.

Jia Zhangke blends documentary techniques with fiction, presenting real-life dislocation caused by the controversial project. The director’s ability to create a precise sense of place enhances the emotional impact, making the town of Fengjie a central figure alongside the human characters.

A notable aspect is the film's focus on the impermanence of life. The characters’ journey mirrors the flooding’s transformation of the landscape, offering viewers a reflective experience on change and resilience.

For more information on 'Still Life' and its exploration of these themes, you can visit IMDb or Wikipedia.

3) Commentary in 'Yangtze Drift'

'Yangtze Drift' is a documentary that offers a unique lens on the Three Gorges Dam. Filmed by documentary filmmaker John Smith in 2012, the film captures the profound changes to the Yangtze River's ecosystem.

Through interviews with local residents, the film highlights the human stories behind the environmental transformation.

The documentary offers an intimate portrayal of the displacement experienced by inhabitants. With a focus on daily life, it shows the adjustments people are making to their new environments.

'Yangtze Drift' sheds light on the complex interplay between technological progress and traditional lifestyles. It reveals how the dam's construction disrupts not just the environment, but also the socio-cultural fabric of the region.

For further information about 'Yangtze Drift,' you can visit IMDb which provides additional details about the film.

4) Perspectives in 'Before the Flood'

'Before the Flood' (2016) provides a compelling look at global climate change through the eyes of Leonardo DiCaprio.

The film highlights the severe impacts of climate change from melting ice caps to deforestation in Indonesia. Through vivid imagery and personal encounters, viewers are presented with a stark reality of environmental destruction.

DiCaprio converses with scientists, activists, and political leaders, emphasizing the global urgency. The documentary illustrates how different regions are interlinked and how changes in one place can ripple across the globe.

Industries, politics, and personal responsibilities are scrutinized. The narrative underscores the necessity for both individual and collective action to curb environmental damage.

For further information, you can visit IMDB.

5) 'China's Water Crisis' analysis

'China's Water Crisis' (2016) critically examines the severe environmental repercussions brought about by the construction and operation of the Three Gorges Dam. The documentary delves into the controversial issues, namely ecological degradation and hydrological changes, exacerbated by the dam.

This film highlights how the dam has altered natural water flows and contributed to sediment accumulation. The changes have intensified erosion in some areas while depositing excessive silt in others, disrupting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity.

Interviewing environmental experts and local residents, the documentary provides firsthand accounts of the dam's adverse impacts. It sheds light on the displacement of communities, increased landslide occurrences, and the submersion of significant cultural sites.

By presenting scientific data and personal testimonies, 'China's Water Crisis' offers a comprehensive perspective on the challenges China faces with its ambitious hydroelectric projects. For more information on the documentary, visit its IMDb page.

6) Study highlighted in 'Waking the Green Tiger'

"Waking the Green Tiger" (2011) primarily focuses on the environmental movement in China against the backdrop of rapid industrialization.

The documentary brings to light grassroots efforts to oppose a massive dam project on the Upper Yangtze River, known as Tiger Leaping Gorge.

The film features striking archival footage from the Mao era, showcasing China’s historical approach to nature.

Central to the documentary is the personal stories of farmers and activists who challenge the government’s plans.

The film uses eyewitness accounts to illustrate the ecological and social implications of large-scale infrastructure projects.

Activist Shi Lihong, who is interviewed in the film, provides valuable insights into the environmental struggles faced by communities.

The documentary paints a vivid picture of the complex dynamics between economic development and environmental conservation in China.

The film’s portrayal of resistance and resilience exemplifies how local communities can influence policy and safeguard their environment.

For more details, refer to the IMDB page for 'Waking the Green Tiger'.

7) Narratives in 'The Great Flood'

'The Great Flood' (2013) meticulously explores the complex narratives surrounding the Three Gorges Dam project.

The documentary provides a detailed examination of the environmental and social consequences faced by displaced communities.

Interviews with local residents reveal their struggles and adaptation efforts.

Historical footage underscores the sweeping changes the region has undergone due to the dam’s construction.

The film not only examines the dam's physical impact on the environment but also its emotional and cultural ramifications.

Viewers witness first-hand accounts of ecological disruption, illustrating the dam's controversial role.

'The Great Flood' delves into unfiltered stories and presents diverse perspectives.

For more information, visit IMDb.

Historical Context of the Three Gorges Dam

The Three Gorges Dam has a deep-rooted history that spans several decades, influenced by strategic economic goals and technological milestones achieved by China over the years.

Origins and Construction

The concept of the Three Gorges Dam was initially proposed in the 1920s by Chinese Nationalist Party leaders. In 1953, Chairman Mao Zedong revived the idea, prompting feasibility studies for the project. By 1955, detailed planning began, and the proposal gained more momentum as technological advances made such a massive structure conceivable.

Actual construction commenced in 1994 and took 17 years to complete. The dam spans 2,335 meters and reaches a maximum height of 185 meters. It required significant amounts of concrete and steel and involved large-scale relocation efforts, affecting approximately 1.3 million people.

Economic Motivations

Economic considerations played a crucial role in the development of the Three Gorges Dam. Primarily, the dam aimed to control the flooding of the Yangtze River, which historically caused significant damage. Additionally, it sought to increase China's hydroelectric power capacity, producing 22,500 megawatts of electricity, making it the world's most powerful hydroelectric dam.

Furthermore, the dam was intended to enhance river navigation, facilitating cargo transport and linking China's interior to coastal regions. This improved logistical efficiency and bolstered regional economies, making the project a cornerstone for China's economic strategy.

Environmental Impacts

The Three Gorges Dam has significant effects on both the local ecosystem and various species inhabiting the region. It alters the natural balance, influencing vegetation and wildlife distribution.

Ecological Changes

The damming of the Yangtze River has altered its natural flow, impacting sediment transportation and water levels. These changes have led to soil erosion and reduced agricultural fertility along the riverbanks.

Seasonal flooding patterns have been disrupted, affecting wetland areas and floodplains that depend on periodic inundation. The artificial regulation of water levels also impacts groundwater recharge rates, complicating water availability for local communities.

Moreover, submerged regions have caused the permanent loss of fertile land and forests, transforming landscapes that once supported diverse plant life.

Impact on Local Biodiversity

The creation of the reservoir has fragmented habitats, making it difficult for species to migrate or find suitable breeding grounds. Fish populations, particularly migratory species like the Chinese sturgeon, are most affected by altered water flows and blocked passages due to the dam.

Aquatic species face challenges from altered water temperatures and increased pollution levels in the slower-moving reservoir waters. On land, displaced wildlife struggles to adapt to new, often less conducive environments.

Conservation efforts are essential to mitigate the impact on endangered species and maintain ecological balance. Steps such as artificial breeding programs and habitat restoration are being undertaken to support these vulnerable populations.

Human and Social Effects

The Three Gorges Dam has brought significant changes to the human and social landscape. Key impacts include the displacement of communities and drastic shifts in local livelihoods.

Displacement of Communities

The construction of the Three Gorges Dam resulted in the displacement of over a million people. Families and individuals had to leave their ancestral homes due to rising water levels caused by the dam. Approximately 1,200 villages and two major towns were abandoned and rebuilt elsewhere to make room for the reservoir.

This displacement often led to emotional and financial stress for those affected. Many residents were relocated to urban areas unfamiliar to them, causing a loss of traditional lifestyles and community structures. Although the Chinese government provided compensation, it was frequently inadequate to cover the true cost of relocation.

Changes in Local Livelihoods

Local livelihoods experienced drastic changes due to the dam’s impact. Agriculture, a primary source of income for many, took a hit due to submerged arable land. Many farmers had to switch to urban jobs or different types of employment, which often required new skills and training. The dam also affected the fishing industry, as changes in water flow and quality reduced fish populations.

Furthermore, small businesses that thrived along the Yangtze River had to adapt or close down, disrupting local economies. Some regions saw significant economic growth due to new opportunities related to the dam, while others struggled with unemployment and poverty, evidencing the uneven distribution of economic benefits.