What are the pros and cons of dams?

Pros:
• Improved water storage and regulation – Dams are used to store and regulate water, helping to protect against floods, drought, and other disasters.
• Improved navigation – Dams can be used to create a navigable channel for boats and other vessels.
• Improved water quality – Dams can reduce levels of sediment, organic materials, and other pollutants in the water.
• Hydropower – Dams can be used to generate electricity through hydropower.
• Increased recreation opportunities – Dams can create recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating.

Cons:
• Loss of habitat – Dams can result in the loss or alteration of natural habitat for wildlife, including fish, birds, and other species.
• Loss of cultural sites – Dams may submerge historic or cultural sites, leading to their destruction or degradation.
• Disruption of migration – Dams can disrupt the migration of fish or other aquatic species, leading to population decline.
• Negative impacts on downstream areas – The construction of a dam can lead to sediment build-up, flooding, and disruption of the river’s ecosystem.
• Pollution – Dams can produce turbine exhaust and other pollutants, which can cause environmental damage.