An analysis of the costs, risks and impacts of pursuing an energy future reliant on hydropower versus solar and wind Background Namibia currently has a small energy system that is dominated by its 347 megawatts (MW) Ruacana hydropower plant. The country is also considering an additional hydropower plant, the Baynes Hydropower Project on the Kunene…
Originally published in Alternet by Josh Klemm and Eugene Simonov Not only does hydroelectric power fail to prevent catastrophic climate change, but it also renders countries more vulnerable to climate change while emitting significant amounts of methane, one of the worst greenhouse gases. A river is a spectacular living corridor that feeds forests, fisheries, coastal ecosystems, and…
Publicação da International Rivers traz estudos inéditos sobre riqueza socioambiental e de biodiversidade da bacia do Tapajós, como também potenciais ameaças de exploração do território. Press Release in English follows below Contatos Cecília Garcia, jornalista da equipe da América Latina da International Rivers, cgarcia@internationalrivers.org, Isadora Armani, jornalista da equipe da América Latina da International Rivers, …
BACKGROUND This report assesses the socio-economic impact of the Inga 3 dam with a particular focus on South African citizens and on women. It looks at the commercial case for the dam, comparing it on price with alternatives before weighing positive and negative social and environmental impacts against each other. Our report suggests that Inga…
Background Healthy rivers are critical in sustaining communities and ecosystems. Yet our rivers around the world are under threat. As many as 3,700 new dams have either been proposed or are already under construction. Despite the enormous diversity in size, scale and geography of new dams being built, a relatively small number of corporations are…
Africa’s great rivers have nourished some of the world’s most significant civilizations. They have shaped the rhythm of life for untold generations of riparian peoples, linking cultures across political borders. Unfortunately, from the Nile to the Zambezi, many of these rivers have been dammed, diverted, dredged and polluted in the name of meeting water and…
Free-flowing rivers operate as the arteries of our planet. They connect high mountains to lush, food-generating lakes, deltas, and coasts. Free-flowing rivers help regulate natural carbon cycles and influence weather patterns. They evoke a sense of awe and provide food, freshwater, medicinal herbs, transportation, economic security, recreation, and more. Indigenous communities regard them as sacred,…
International Rivers was established in 1985 as a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization of activists experienced in fighting economically, environmentally, and socially unsound river intervention projects. Aware that destructive large-scale dam projects were planned worldwide, it opened a communication channel with river activists around the globe. From convening some of the first international gatherings of dam-affected communities…
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we highlight the critical role of women river defenders in shaping water governance across Asia and beyond. The world stands at a critical juncture in its journey towards sustainability and climate resilience. Among the most pressing issues is water governance, a complex challenge that requires an inclusive and…
“They are afraid of us because we are not afraid.” –Berta Caceres. By Kate Fried Today marks the ninth anniversary of the tragic assassination of our friend, Berta Caceres. She was gunned down in her home after multiple threats against her life. A Lenca-Honduran environmental activist, Indigenous leader, and Goldman Prize winner, Berta is best…
