Today's NYT has a well stated Editorial opposing the dams in Patagonia. Here is a link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/opinion/01tue3.html?ex=1364702400&en=f02daaa4c1685e30&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
There is no doubt that Chile needs more energy to sustain and grow its extractive industries. Chile and Argentina recently signed a new energy cooperation agreement, but that is ultimately reliant on Argentina's natural gas imports from Bolivia, which are subject Morales risk.
With the mining industries (and Chilean government by extension) reaping such a huge windfall from high copper prices, it seems as though more expensive (but not environmentally devastating) energy solutions such as massive-scale solar power or algae-derived biodiesel could be alternatives to the large scale hydro projects. I hope that the Chilean government will hear and heed the voices from around the world that are opposing this project.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
New York Times Editorial
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Hi, that's exactly what I thought today as well. Why building a large dam down in Patagonia if they need energy 1000 Miles up north? The grid will consume half up ...
There is that huge desert where solar panels can produce at least the same amount of energy and it's much closer to Santiago. Anyway, with all the sun they have, already on every roof in and around Santiago they could have enough... and there is enough wind too! A dam in Patgonia is insane! Didn't we yet destroy many other beautiful spots in the world?
Thomas, I can't see your Email or something but we defenitifely have to connect people in order to protect the most beautiful spot in the world. Send me an email: rainx@gmx.ch. I will go to the end to fight any constructions in chilean Patagonia!
Post a Comment