Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
PATRICK McCULLY
During the 1980s, Patrick McCully—who was born in 1965 in
Northern Ireland—worked for a magazine that printed stories
about the environment. He learned about the importance of rivers
and the damage that dams can cause. In 1996, he wrote a topic
called Silenced Rivers. He described what he had learned about
the threats to rivers from large dams. McCully, who now lives in
the United States, is considered an expert on the dangers of those
dams. He leads a group called International Rivers, which tries to
protect rivers and educate people about dams. He does not oppose
all dams. He thinks that very small “micro dams” can be good
sources of hydropower and do not harm the environment. McCully
and his group, however, try to stop the building of dams that might
harm wildlife or humans who live nearby. McCully has spoken out
about some of the problems created by China's Three Gorges Dam.
Problems with Tidal Turbines?
Some environmentalists worry that the newer forms of water
power could create problems, too. The large underwater
turbines used to create wave and tidal power are very new.
Scientists have not had much time to study how they will
affect i sh. Some people worry that the spinning blades could
kill i sh or force them from their usual paths. The i sh might
have trouble swimming to the areas where they normally have
babies. Also, if fewer i sh than usual are living in an area, birds
that feed on them will have less food. Fishers also fear they will
have a harder time making a living if the turbines affect i sh
that live near the coasts.
Some scientists worry about whales and other sea
mammals. The cables used to hold buoys or carry electricity
could block their paths. In addition, the animals might not see
the cables and be injured by them.