The Future of Large Dams: Dealing with Social, Environmental, Institutional and Political Costs

Large dams are among the most contentious issues in development today. Long regarded as symbols of progress, they are now being increasingly seen as inherently flawed and destructive of ecosystems and societies. Using his extensive knowledge about dams in Asia, Africa, North America and Latin America, Thayer Scudder charts the ‘middle way’ forward by examining all aspects of the costs, benefits and risks of large dam development projects.