Friday, June 24, 2011

Good God Dam(n): HidroAysén



The Chilean government claims that the country will run out of energy, if they don’t follow through with a 3.2 billion dollar dam project called HidroAysén (5 dams on 2 rivers) in Patagonia. Aside from HidroAysén, protestors believe that there are a lot of better options (e.g. solar, wind, geyser and geothermal power, etc) and that if the project goes through then one of the last untouched, pristine, and fragile landscapes will be destroyed. Anecdotal research has led me to believe that no one in Chile wants the dam to be built. Citizens, conservationists, and scientists contest the government's claim; they believe that the motivations of the people in power are greed and consumerism (what a surprise?!). In addition they are worried that the project would "flood a large part of a region dominated by national parks and reserves"

As a result in recent weeks, there have been hundreds of protests and thousands of protesters (that vary greatly in not only age but also class and background) fighting back in and around Santiago. Since in the US people are generally apathetic, unorganized and/or their voices are too often squelched, watching the people unite under a common cause has been awe inspiring. The relentless acts of conscientious protest have taken place on the streets, are rampant on FaceBook and can be spotted on defiled government money. None of the public outcry has gone unnoticed and that is even more inspiring.

To my surprise four days ago, the project was suspended. The fight is far from over and it's likely to be a very long and difficult road. However, this fight (along with recent events in Egypt and across the world) has renewed my faith in grassroots moment and proven to me that dissent is not futile!

In a world where corporations are seizing more and more power and the gap between the rich and poor is growing at an alarming rate, it's essential that we remember that "dissent is the highest form of patriotism" (Thomas Jefferson).


For more information, here are some links:

NPR offers A glimpse at the situation

A comprehensive article in the NY times

BBC's article on the current situation


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4 comments:

  1. UnknownJune 25, 2011 at 2:57 AM

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  2. Dexter DraperJune 25, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    Good one. Its important that this is not only an echological issue. It is basically, and mostly, a political one. The very same studies stating that chile will run out of energy were conducted dor the same people who are building the dams. Now, i onvite you to follow whats going on with education. Trust me, this one is a once in a life time moment. Stay tuned.

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  3. UnknownJune 27, 2011 at 2:17 AM

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  4. UnknownJune 27, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    apparently Google is not letting me unfollow your page. Too bad, so sad. Must be a sign! Anyhow, I won't visit, but I'll stay current, I won't expect you to. I never have. Apparently everything I ever claimed is true, so be well, live well, and have a joyful, loving, rebulation! Never give up, Never give up, Never Give Up.

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