On the Yangtze River

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The Three Gorges Dam
On the Yangtze River
By Richard Kleponis
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The source of the Yangtze River is in the Kunlun
Mountains.
It flows south towards Kunming and then to the
East emptying into the East China Sea.
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The official name for the Yangtze River is the
Chang Jiang (Long River).
It is the longest river in Asia and the third
longest in the world (3,937 miles) after the Nile
and Amazon.
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People from around the world visit this popular
tourist attraction.
The 3 Gorges Region is known for its spectacular
beauty.
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A monumental construction project is currently
taking place on the Yangtze River.
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An enormous dam, that will be over a mile in
length, is being built near Yichang.
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Due to devastating flooding in the 1950s, Mao
Zedong also considered building a dam on the
Yangtze.
Ideas for this project were being formulated as
far back as 1919 by Sun Yatsen.
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Construction of the Three Gorges Dam began in
1994 and is scheduled for completion in 2009.
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The Three Gorges Dam is a controversial project.
Supporters of the dam
While opponents of the dam
talk of many positive aspects.
warn of harmful effects.
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Some Arguments
for building the dam
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A major benefit of the dam would be
the tremendous generation of
hydroelectricity.
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This would help reduce pollution by
burning less coal.
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Proponents say that trade, transportation and the
economy will improve due to the dam.
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One of the primary goals
Is to prevent serious flooding from reoccurring.
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Some Arguments
for not building the dam
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More than 100 towns and 10 cities will be
submerged beneath the Yangtze.
Over a million people will be forced to move from
their homes.
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Endangered species such as the baiji dolphin
may become extinct.
Ancient artifacts will be submerged and
unexcavated.
Raw sewage and industrial waste will pollute the
river.
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The Chinese government emphasizes how the dam
will benefit the people
and the environment.
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While critics argue how this project will cause
harm to the people and the environment.
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Should the Three Gorges Dam be built?
What is your opinion?
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Presentation sources available upon request.