Energy in Landscapes
Overview
Energy production and consumption are key aspects of a landscape and an essential component of the balance between human prosperity and environmental conservation. Managed effectively, and supported by an inclusive and empirical dialogue, energy production can alleviate poverty and achieve other socio-economic goals without impacting the environment. Mismanaged, however, energy can permanently degrade landscapes.
A comparison between the two largest hydroelectric powerstations in the world (which are also the largest powerstations of any kind in the world), the Three Gorges Dam in China and the Itaipu Dam in Brazil/Paraguay, is instructive. The Three Gorges Dam has been widely criticised for the human and environmental consequences of its construction, which include significant landslides and the displacement of over 1.3 million people, with that number increasing as degradation continues. The Itaipu Dam, however, integrated a plan to create a buffer around the edge of the reservoir, reducing erosion and encouragin water to filter through the soil naturally. Although farmers have migrated to the area to benefit from new, irrigated territories, a reforestation project has also been delivered to revive and maintain ecosystems.The measures taken to mitigate the negative effects of the Itaipu Dam, which are typical of hyroelectric power generation, are an example of the Landscape Approach in action: a broad range of multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder initiatives based on an explicit acknowledge of social, economic and environmental concerns.
Different Energy Rescources and Landscapes
- Solar Energy and Landscapes
- Hydro Energy and Landscapes
- Wind Energy and Landscapes
- Biomass Energy and Landscapes
