Renewable Power vs. Social Justice

Hydroelectric power is primarily yielded from the downward movement of water, which often turns turbines that creates mechanical electric power. Thus, dams and reservoirs are massive sources of hydroelectric power depending on their size. This power is relatively clean and renewable compared to other sources of power, such as fossil fuels that are dwindling and are detrimental to the environment.  However, to create dams large enough to create enough power for a nation, large areas of land are needed. In Brazil, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff was met with heavy opposition as she proposed and ratified a plan to destroy a large portion of the Amazon Rainforest to build a large hydroelectric dam to provide power to Brazil. This article describes the project and various environmental and labor organizations that are criticizing this dam, as it will displace thousands of indigenous people and destroy a large portion of the rapidly disappearing rainforest. As all forms of renewable power have costs, at what cost is hydroelectric power acceptable? Is President Rousseff validated in her actions as the President of a developing country that requires the power?