DOCSLIB.ORG

Chinese Run-Of-The-River Hydropower Dams Generating Not Only Electrical Tension

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Chinese Run-Of-The-River Hydropower Dams Generating Not Only Electrical Tension Chinese run-of-the-river hydropower dams generating not only electrical tension Setting out the consequences of China’s activities on the run-of-the-river hydropower dams in the Yarlung Tsangpo river for the region of north-eastern India Final Interdisciplinary Report Interdisciplinary Project - June 2nd, 2017 Word count: 8095 Supervisors: Anneke ter Schure and Andres Verzijl Annabelle Gielen, Marije Doolaard, Robyn Jansma, Marle de Jong Abstract China has plans to extend the Zangmu Hydropower Station from one to four dams, which raised concern in downstream countries as India. In this interdisciplinary research, the consequences of the expansion of the Zangmu Hydropower Station are explored by the use of individual interviews and a literature study. Theories from Communication Sciences, Human Geography, Biology and Earth Sciences were used to give insight into the origins and impacts of the problem. The insights were then integrated to form a new understanding of the problem and its consequences. This research assesses the ecological impacts of the realization of three more “run-of-the-river” dams in the Yarlung Tsangpo on the local population of the north-eastern Indian states Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, India. The hydro-ecological impacts are expected to be negligible for the region of north-eastern India. Moreover, India has its concerns since China does not share any specifics about the dams. This lack of communication from China might be explained by a “power play” to control both water resources and maintain its hegemonic position over India. However, China’s main interest by constructing the three dams is expected to be not the generation of hegemony but the generation of hydroelectricity. Keywords: hydropower energy, hydro hegemony, environmental impact assessment, power relations, social ecological system, framing. Interdisciplinary Project - Final Report 1 Content Acknowledgements 3 1. Introduction 4 2. Theoretical framework 6 2.1 Social-ecological systems 6 2.2 Hydro hegemony 6 2.3 Framing and agenda-setting 7 2.4 Environmental Impact Assessment 8 2.5 Data Management Table 10 3. Methods and integrated framework 11 3.1 Time frame 12 3.2 Integrated framework 12 4. Results 13 4.1 Stakeholder involved 13 4.2 Specifications of the dams 13 4.3 Sediment transport and water quality on local population 15 4.3.1 Sediment transport 15 4.3.2 Aquatic life 16 4.3.3 Water quality 16 4.3.4 Consequences for the local population 16 4.4 Environmental consequences and power relations 17 4.4.1 Concerns as field of conflict 17 4.4.2 Power asymmetries 18 4.5 Media framing and power relations 18 5. Conclusion, discussion and recommendations 20 References 21 Appendix 25 Elaborated interview with Erik Mosselman Elaborated interview with Karen Meijer Elaborated interview with Yumiko Yasuda Interdisciplinary Project - Final Report 2 Acknowledgements In front of you lies the thesis “Chinese hydropower dams generating not only electrical tension”, a paper which will set out the consequences of China’s activities on the hydropower dams in the Yarlung Tsangpo river for the region of north-eastern India. This paper is a thesis of the course Interdisciplinary Project at the University of Amsterdam. This project was conducted from February 2017 till June 2017. Advice given by Erik Mosselman, Karen Meijer and Yumiko Yasuda has been a great help in this study. They have given new insights in this problem, each in their own specialization and we thank them for the interviews. Besides this, thanks should be given to Anneke ter Schure, our first supervisor, for her feedback as well as Andres Verzijl, for his useful and constructive recommendations on this project and during the presentations. Annabelle Gielen, Marije Doolaard, Robyn Jansma, Marle de Jong Amsterdam, May 2017 Interdisciplinary Project - Final Report 3 1. Introduction The Yarlung Tsangpo-Brahmaputra-Jamuna River is one of the world’s greatest transboundary rivers (Franco et al., 2014). The Yarlung Tsangpo originates in Tibet and flows through southern Tibet before the river makes a U-turn and enters the easternmost states of India where it unites with the Brahmaputra. After flowing through the Indian states Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, the river enters Bangladesh, where it is joined by the Ganges and Meghna (Franco et al., 2014; Ramachandran, 2015). According to Ramachandran (2015), the Brahmaputra is known as the world’s largest delta and highly important for the surrounding countries and ecosystems. The countries China and India are respectively the world’s first and second countries in terms of population, and millions of people are living along the Brahmaputra river basin (Ahmed et al., 2013). Therefore, for both China and India, the Brahmaputra is of special importance. According to Biba (2014), the river is an important component for the Indian population because it plays a large role in providing enough available water. However, China is planning to expand their hydropower performances along the Brahmaputra by building more hydropower dams (Biba, 2014). In most recent years, there is a growing interest in this river because of its high altitude gradient and therewith potential hydropower energy (Chang, Liu & Zhou, 2010; Biba, 2014). In November 2014, China has built the first hydropower dam in the Yarlung Tsangpo river and it plans to continue their ‘Zangmu Hydropower Station’ with expansion of three dams (The Economic Times, 2016). The project can be seen in Figure 1. Figure 1: Schematic overview of Zangmu Hydropower Station (Ramachandran, 2015). Taken together, the ever increasing population density in both countries and the competitive initiatives concerning the Brahmaputra river lead to a complex problem which has a great impact on the relationship between China and India (Mahapatra & Ratha, 2016). The complexity will be discussed further in the introduction and the report. On the one hand China is very optimistic about their hydropower plan and assures that the project does not involve storage or diversion of water. China states that the Zangmu dam is a “run-of-the- river” power generating project (shortly “ROR”) (IANS, 2010), which means that water is not diverted or grabbed, although this is still possible (Douglas, 2007). On the other hand, being a downstream country, India is worried about this project since the Brahmaputra is highly important for the daily life of the people and an important part of the cultural life (Ramachandran, 2015). India sees several risks regarding the project, since people who are living in the north-eastern part of India can become vulnerable as they depend on the water and on the ecosystem services of the Brahmaputra (The Economic Times, 2016). For example, the Indian population highly depend on the river in the river for irrigation (FAO, 2011). Interdisciplinary Project - Final Report 4 Ecological changes regarding this river could therefore affect the local population near the river negatively. Moreover, a concern of India is that there are no bilateral or multilateral treaties on the water use and it believes that China can turn the water in the river into a political weapon (Mahapatra & Ratha,, 2016). Historically, no relevant water treaties have been arranged between China and India so far (Yasuda, May 8th 2017). Consequently, the extension of the dams project may be considered as a complex problem since there are different actors with their own interests and politics. Both India and China have their own views on how to deal with the amount of water which could be used for hydropower. This refers to the complex concept ‘observer dependence’ (Rammelt, 2017b). India and China have different interests, and both want to use the water in their own beneficial way. Consequently, analysts predict that ‘water wars’ could break out between China and India, because both countries see themselves as a regional and global power and do not want to damage this reputation. As a result of this, there is a lack of communication about the water management of the river between the two countries (Ramachandran, 2015). This case study can help by understanding the problems concerning hydropower dams, thereby focussing on different disciplines and combining them in the end, with a special interest in run-of-the- river dams. The interest in these dams is high, as it is often said that these dams are relatively environmentally friendly and less floodings occur due to the dams compared to conventional multi- purpose hydropower dams (Douglas, 2007). Still, a lot of research can be done regarding the consequences, especially regarding the social consequences. Furthermore, this study is important because it lays bare the impacts of these dams, especially for the Indian local population as it is considered that they are an important stakeholder within this conflict. This case study thus may help in understanding these social consequences and might function as a framework for other case studies of hydropower and/or run-of-the-river dams. With respect to local consequences, the focus will be on the region of north-eastern India, which includes the states Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. This region is chosen because the Yarlung Tsangpo enters India in these states, after which it unites with the Brahmaputra. The following research question will be investigated in this research: What would be the consequences for the region of north-eastern India if China would continue their activities on the run-of-the-river dams in the Yarlung Tsangpo river? Different aspects from four disciplines (earth sciences, biology, communication sciences & human geography) will be analysed and will results in an interdisciplinary conclusion. Interdisciplinary Project - Final Report 5 2. Theoretical framework This theoretical framework will elaborate on relevant concepts and theories regarding the hydropower dams project in the Yarlung Tsangpo river for a better understanding of the problem and the following research. Firstly this section will focus on social-ecological systems (SES) serving as an overarching framework for the case study, providing an interdisciplinary approach.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Water Resource Competition in the Brahmaputra River Basin: China, India, and Bangladesh Nilanthi Samaranayake, Satu Limaye, and Joel Wuthnow
    Water Resource Competition in the Brahmaputra River Basin: China, India, and Bangladesh Nilanthi Samaranayake, Satu Limaye, and Joel Wuthnow May 2016 Distribution unlimited This document represents the best opinion of CNA at the time of issue. Distribution Distribution unlimited. Specific authority contracting number: 14-106755-000-INP. For questions or comments about this study, contact Nilanthi Samaranayake at [email protected] Cover Photography: Brahmaputra River, India: people crossing the Brahmaputra River at six in the morning. Credit: Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest, "Brahmaputra River, India," Maria Stenzel / National Geographic Society / Universal Images Group Rights Managed / For Education Use Only, http://quest.eb.com/search/137_3139899/1/137_3139899/cite. Approved by: May 2016 Ken E Gause, Director International Affairs Group Center for Strategic Studies Copyright © 2016 CNA Abstract The Brahmaputra River originates in China and runs through India and Bangladesh. China and India have fought a war over contested territory through which the river flows, and Bangladesh faces human security pressures in this basin that will be magnified by upstream river practices. Controversial dam-building activities and water diversion plans could threaten regional stability; yet, no bilateral or multilateral water management accord exists in the Brahmaputra basin. This project, sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation, provides greater understanding of the equities and drivers fueling water insecurity in the Brahmaputra River basin. After conducting research in Dhaka, New Delhi, and Beijing, CNA offers recommendations for key stakeholders to consider at the subnational, bilateral, and multilateral levels to increase cooperation in the basin. These findings lay the foundation for policymakers in China, India, and Bangladesh to discuss steps that help manage and resolve Brahmaputra resource competition, thereby strengthening regional security.
    [Show full text]
  • An Examination of the Relationship Between the Religious Heritage and the Natural Environment of the Tibetan Buddhist Hidden Land Called Pemakö
    An Examination of the Relationship between the Religious Heritage and the Natural Environment of the Tibetan Buddhist Hidden Land called Pemakö Layne Mayard Submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy University of Leeds School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science May 2018 Declaration The candidate confirms that the submitted work is her own and that she has given appropriate credit where reference has been made to the work of others. This copy has been supplied on the understanding that it is copyright material and that no quotation from the thesis may be published without proper acknowledgement. ©2018 – The University of Leeds and Layne Mayard. The right of Layne Mayard to be identified as Author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act of 1988. ii Acknowledgements My sincere gratitude extends to His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje for his thoughtful insights concerning this project, and especially for his show of enthusiasm. Heartfelt thanks go to Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, who was as generous with his observations as he was with his encouragement. I am very grateful for the patience and tenacity of my supervisors during this project, Professor Emma Tomalin and Dr. Mikel Burley. I must also acknowledge Ruth Sonam, Venerable Lhundrup Chödrön and Geshe Kelsang Wangmo for their suggestions pertaining to some of the more difficult points in Buddhist philosophy. My colleagues at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Boudhanath, Nepal provided invaluable insights and advice. Special thanks go to Dr. Geoff Barstow. I owe much appreciation to Tibetan Buddhist language experts who supported me with translation of the Treasure text: Mingyur Dorjé and Venerable Lozang Zopa.
    [Show full text]
  • TRANSBOUNDARY IMPLICATIONS of DAMMING RIVER BRAHMAPUTRA and RESPONSE of INDIAN GOVERNMENT Dissertation Submitted to the Central
    TRANSBOUNDARY IMPLICATIONS OF DAMMING RIVER BRAHMAPUTRA AND RESPONSE OF INDIAN GOVERNMENT Dissertation submitted to the Central University of Punjab For the award of Master of Philosophy In Centre for South and Central Asian Studies By Mohd. Hussain Naik Supervisor Dr. Kiran K. Singh Centre for South and Central Asian Studies School of Global Relations Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 2014 June DECLARATION I declare that the dissertation entitled “TRANSBOUNDARY IMPLICATIONS OF DAMMING RIVER BRAHMAPUTRA AND RESPONSE OF INDIAN GOVERNMENT” has been prepared by me under the guidance of Dr. Kiran K. Singh, Assistant Professor, Centre for South and Central Asian Studies, School of Global Relations, Central University of Punjab. No part of this dissertation has formed the basis for the award of any degree or fellowship previously. Mohd. Hussain Naik Centre for South and Central Asian Studies School of Global Relations Central University of Punjab Bathinda -151001. Punjab, India. Date: ii CERTIFICATE I certify that Mohd. Hussain Naik has prepared his dissertation entitled “TRANSBOUNDARY IMPLICATIONS OF DAMMING RIVER BRAHMAPUTRA AND RESPONSE OF INDIAN GOVERNMENT” for the award of M.Phil. Degree of the Central University of Punjab, under my guidance. He has carried out this work at the Centre for South & Central Asian Studies, School of Global Relations, Central University of Punjab. Dr. Kiran K. Singh Assistant Professor Centre for South and Central Asian Studies School of Global Relations Central University of Punjab Bathinda-151001 Date: iii ABSTRACT Transboundary Implications of Damming River Brahmaputra and Response of Indian Government Name of student: Mohd. Hussain Naik Registration Number: CUPB/MPh-PhD/SGR/SCA/2012-2013/04 Degree for which submitted: Master of Philosophy Name of supervisor: Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Models of Regulating Water in Transboundary River Basins: a Nexus of Hydropolitics and Electricity Trade
    MODELS OF REGULATING WATER IN TRANSBOUNDARY RIVER BASINS: A NEXUS OF HYDROPOLITICS AND ELECTRICITY TRADE A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES OF MIDDLE EAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY BY HALİL BURAK SAKAL IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS MARCH 2018 Approval of the Graduate School of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Tülin Gençöz Director I certify that this thesis satisfies all the requirements as a thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Prof. Dr. Özlem Tür Head of Department This is to certify that we have read this thesis and that in our opinion it is fully ad- equate, in scope and quality, as a thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Prof. Dr. Oktay F. Tanrısever Supervisor Examining Committee Members (first name belongs to the chairperson of the jury and the second name belongs to supervisor) Prof. Dr. Hasan Ali Karasar (Kapadokya Üni, IR) Prof. Dr. Oktay F. Tanrısever (METU, IR) Prof. Dr. Fırat Purtaş (Gazi Uni, IR) Doç. Dr. Şule Güneş (METU, IR) Yrd. Doç. Dr. Zerrin Torun (METU, IR) PLAGIARISM I hereby declare that all information in this document has been obtained and pre- sented in accordance with academic rules and ethical conduct. I also declare that, as required by these rules and conduct, I have fully cited and referenced all material and results that are not original to this work. Name, Last name : Halil Burak, Sakal Signature : iii ABSTRACT MODELS OF REGULATING WATER IN TRANSBOUNDARY RIVER BASINS: A NEXUS OF HYDROPOLITICS AND ELECTRICITY TRADE Sakal, Halil Burak Ph.D., Department of International Relations Supervisor : Prof.
    [Show full text]
  • Brahmaputra: Towards Unity
    BRAHMAPUTRA: TOWARDS UNITY Scholars from Bangladesh, China and India explore the way forward for international cooperation in the Brahmaputra basin About thethirdpole.net thethirdpole.net was launched in 2006 as a project of chinadialogue.net to provide impartial, accurate and balanced information and analysis, and to foster constructive debate on the region’s vital water resources across the region. thethirdpole.net works in collaboration with partners across the Himalayas and the world to bring regional and international experts, media and civil society together for discussion and information exchange, online and in person. We aim to reflect the impacts at every level, from the poorest communities to the highest reaches of government, and to promote knowledge sharing and cooperation within the region and internationally. For more information, and if you are interested in partnership, or getting involved, please contact beth.walker @ thethirdpole.net or joydeep.gupta @ thethirdpole.net. thethirdpole.net UNDERSTANDING ASIA’S WATER CRISIS 2 Brahmaputra: Towards unity Contents 4 Introduction 7 Part 1: River under threat 28 Part 2: Rethinking rivers 51 Part 3: Challenging powerful interests 74 Part 4: Where next? 3 Brahmaputra: Towards unity Introduction Isabel Hilton, thethirdpole.net editor The Brahmaputra, or more accurately, the Yarlung Tsangpo Brahmaputra-Jamuna river, begins in the high glaciers of the Tibetan Himalaya and executes a dramatic turn to plunge through the world’s deepest gorge. For 400 kilometres, the river twists around the mountains, dropping more than 2,000 metres in altitude and giving up huge energy potential as it goes. Hydropower experts see it as an Eldorado of energy potential.
    [Show full text]
  • Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2017 Brings Cheer with New Balloons
    www.theindianpanorama.news VOL 11 ISSUE 47 ● NEW YORK ● NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2017 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 Time for action is China's double Why Indian Americans were 5 Cities with Great now: Climate offer is among the biggest winners in Job Markets for 8 change is here 9 opportune 16 U.S. State & Local Elections 17 People over 50 India's Nominee Dalveer Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Bhandari re-elected to ICJ Bhandari secured 183 of the 193 votes in 2017 brings cheer with new balloons the General Assembly and all 15 votes in the Security Council Clear weather attracts large crowds, amid tight security India's Permanent Representative to NEW YORK CITY (TIP): the United Nations, The 91st annual Macy's Ambassador Syed Thanksgiving Day Parade Akbaruddin wound its way through New speaking at a York City to the store's 34th reception to vote Street location Thursday, for Justice November 23 morning. Bhandari (left) at a reception at the Taking flight on Turkey United Nations Day were 17 giant character Photo / balloons including Olaf from Mohammed jaffer- "Frozen," the Grinch, Charlie SnapsIndia Brown and Scrat from the "Ice Age" movie series, along with 28 legacy balloons, 26 floats, 1,100 cheerleaders and Prakash M Swamy dancers, 12 marching bands UNITED NATIONS (TIP): The General Assembly and the and six performance groups, Security Council of the United Nations, on November 20, Macy's said in a news release. elected the fifth judge to the International Court of Justice contd on Page 32 (ICJ) concluding the 2017 elections to the principal judicial The Olaf balloon glides over organ of the United Nations.
    [Show full text]
  • Dallas, Texas Edition
    www.theindianpanorama.news VOL 5 ISSUE 47 ● DALLAS ● NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2017 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 2 ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017 www.theindianpanorama.news VOL 5 ISSUE 47 ● DALLAS ● NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2017 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 Time for action is China's double Rajvatan Singh Rathour- England collapse now: Climate offer is First Sikh Model in London to 302 All Out in change is here opportune 8 9 15 -India Fashion Week 22 Ashes Test India's Nominee Dalveer Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Bhandari re-elected to ICJ Bhandari secured 183 of the 193 votes in 2017 brings cheer with new balloons the General Assembly and all 15 votes in the Security Council Clear weather attracts large crowds, amid tight security India's Permanent NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Representative to The 91st annual Macy's the United Nations, Ambassador Syed Thanksgiving Day Parade Akbaruddin wound its way through New speaking at a York City to the store's 34th reception to vote Street location Thursday, for Justice November 23 morning. Bhandari (left) at a Taking flight on Turkey reception at the Day were 17 giant character United Nations balloons including Olaf from Photo / "Frozen," the Grinch, Charlie Mohammed jaffer- Brown and Scrat from the SnapsIndia "Ice Age" movie series, along with 28 legacy balloons, 26 floats, 1,100 cheerleaders and Prakash M Swamy dancers, 12 marching bands UNITED NATIONS (TIP): The General Assembly and the and six performance groups, Security Council of the United Nations, on November 20, Macy's said in a news release.
    [Show full text]
  • Co-Operation and the Brahmaputra: China and India Water Sharing
    12 15 March 2016 Co-operation and the Brahmaputra: China and India Water Sharing Madeleine Lovelle Research Analyst Global Food and Water Crises Research Programme Key Points China and India are water-scarce countries that will face significant challenges to food and water security in the future. As lower riparians, India and Bangladesh rely on the Brahmaputra River for water, agriculture and livelihoods. Upstream, China holds an important strategic advantage over the river’s flow. Chinese dam-building and water division plans along the Yarlung Zangbo (the Brahmaputra in India) is a source of tension between the two neighbours. The potential for conflict over water between China and India is increased as long as the two countries do not improve communication and co- operation. Summary China and India are competing for resources along the Brahmaputra River, which flows through parts of Asia that have been prone to territorial disputes. South Asia is water scarce. Mass dam-building and diversion plans are a source of major tension between India and China. The potential for conflict is low between the two Asian giants; however, a combination of regional competition and water-sharing tension could still threaten regional stability. It is imperative that China, which lies upstream, does not create a situation where India believes its future water security is significantly threatened as a result of damming and other hydro-projects along the Brahmaputra. Analysis Geopolitics: India, China and Shared Water Sources The Brahmaputra River – known as the Yarlung Zangbo in China – has its headwaters in Tibet, and flows 2,900 kilometres from China, through India and Bangladesh where it meets the Ganges River before draining into the Bay of Bengal.
    [Show full text]
  • Brahmaputra River Between China and India
    Sovereign States and Surging Water: Brahmaputra River between China and India Sushanta Kumar Mahapatra Keshab Chandra Ratha Abstract Brahmaputra river basin is one of the most vulnerable areas in the world subject to combined effects of glacier melt, extreme monsoon rainfall and sea level rise. Water is emerging as a new possible irritant between China and India. For India, Water of Brahmaputra constitutes a major lifeline for people of Tibet and North Eastern states. The building of dams and diversion projects in Tibet by China is a matter of grave concern for lower riparian states. For China, it is having hidden inclination to create employment potentials for more than millions of people by making Brahmaputra diversion project forward. The requirement of fresh water as the pollution grows and population rise has forced China to have the Tsangpo- Brahmaputra River project. The objective of this paper is to focus the reaction of both people on the water diversion issue, disastrous ecological consequences and the urgent necessity for having a water treaty between Asian giants. It also examines the hegemonic tendencies of China on Brahmaputra River & exercise of power for economic gains and outcomes. The policies China takes on trans- Boundary Rivers are not symptom of peaceful nature of its rise. In addition, it establishes the fact that sharing of information, ecosystem-friendly policies, thought and mutual understanding will dispel the suspicion and develop trust between two countries, creating an enabling environment for better management of Brahmaputra River. Key words: Water Governance, Trans-boundary, River dispute, India, China JEL Classification: H 79, L 95, Q28, K33, N50, Q25 An earlier version of this paper was presented at the International conference on "Sustainability in the Water-Energy-Food Nexus.
    [Show full text]
  • Tibet's Water and Global Climate Change
    A report by the International Campaign for Tibet BLUE GOLD FROM THE HIGHEST PLATEAU: Tibet’s water and global climate change BLUE GOLD FROM THE HIGHEST PLATEAU: Tibet’s water and global climate change Contents Executive Summary 7 Part One: The Tibetan landscape and Chinese Policy 11 Why Tibet’s environment matters 11 The warming of the plateau and glacial melt 15 China’s land use policies and their impact 16 Disappearing permafrost 17 Part Two: ‘An internal affair’: Beijing’s policies on Tibet’s environment 21 Tibet’s water as strategic asset 21 Tibet’s influence on global climate 24 Part Three: Tibet’s water and Chinese policies 27 ‘The greatest water grab in history’: damming Tibet 27 Mammoth water diversion plan threatens Tibet’s ecosystem 31 The rush to exploit Tibet’s water: bottling the glaciers 32 The great water-meadow of Dzoege and climate change: Gabriel Lafitte 35 Part Four: The ‘contradiction between grass and animals’: nomadic pastoralists and 41 official policy China’s counter-productive policies and an alternative proposal: Tsering Tsomo 48 Harsh winter, bleak outlook: a Tibetan nomad 50 Part Five: The impact of mining on Tibet’s water and environment 55 A poem to Amnye Machen 61 Recommendations for protection of Tibet ‘the Third Pole’ at the Paris climate change 63 conference and beyond Cover: The cartoon has been realized by Fifi, alias Philippe Sadzot, who lives and works in Liège. He is a teacher at ESA Saint-Luc (Art School). Several of his stories have been published by the editors Requins Marteaux, Six Pieds sous Terre and Coiffeurs pour Dames (www.coiffeurspourdames.com).
    [Show full text]