China's Three Gorges Dam

The arguments for and against the building of China's Three Gorges Dam are seldom heard these days, and for good reasons too since the Dam has already begun operations.

So unless something catastrophic happens, there is no reason to imagine that the clock can be turned back. And besides, "un-doing" the Dam is virtually irreversible and downright impossible.

But a quote from an opponent of the Dam still sends slight shivers down my spine.

Veteran Chinese geologist Sun Yueqi once warned:

"The Yangzi is the most important river course [in China] for navigation. If a decision was taken on undemocratic and unscientific grounds, then the laws of nature will mercilessly punish us, and we will have to pay even more dearly!"

One can only pray fervently that Sun's prediction would not come true.