Great Wall Across the Yangtze, The Controversy

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The river is no longer seen as an unstoppable force but as a dragon which can be tamed with science. - Great Wall Across the Yangtze

Nature and progress struggle to co-exist. As with most developing nations, China has sought to create a balance between environment and industry, conservation and survival.

The dam'spower generation potential is the equivalent of burning 50 million tons of coal or 25 million tons of crude oil. - Benjamin M. Ludlow, Trade Environment Database project

The dam'spower generation potential is the equivalent of burning 50 million tons of coal or 25 million tons of crude oil. - Benjamin M. Ludlow, Trade Environment Database project

The Three Gorges Dam project promises to bring clean, renewable energy to a country whose air is among the most polluted in the world. It hopes to control devastating natural floods that have affected millions of people. At the same time, it threatens rare wildlife, ancient monuments and the natural environment it tries to reshape.

Think of the millions of silenced people who cannot express their sadness and speak against this project. Think of the lost cultural history, art and destruction of the natural river. - Dai Qing, journalist

Think of the millions of silenced people who cannot express their sadness and speak against this project. Think of the lost cultural history, art and destruction of the natural river. - Dai Qing, journalist

Has the Chinese government struck the right balance with the Three Gorges Dam? Read about the controversy and decide for yourself.