Although hydroelectric power does not cause water and air pollution, there are risk factors associated with it. The main drawback of acquiring, re-preparing, and converting hydroelectric or hydropower for electrical conversion is the negative environmental impact. First of all, tropical reservoirs are a source of methane, which significantly affects climate change (Earth Science for Students). Additionally, dams can help displace people and animals from their usual habitats, as well as hinder the movement of fish. It is also important that dams impede the flow of rivers and can cause soil erosion. Hydroelectric power allows generating from renewable sources, which makes it more promising than other methods. This aspect makes this kind of power less environmentally harmful than extracting fossil fuels. In addition, the absence of emissions to water and air provides greater environmental friendliness compared to oil, gas, or coil extraction. At the same time, the generation of hydroelectric energy is associated with the construction of dams. This aspect is the greatest stress factor that this method of acquiring electricity brings to nature and human. In particular, large dams generate a huge amount of electricity, which makes them more economically viable (Earth Science for Students). At the same time, large dams have an impact on the environment, plants, animals, and humans. Dams affect the flow of rivers, habitats for animals and humans, and soil. It is also important that the breakthrough of dams, especially large ones, leads to flooding of vast areas, as well as the death of plants, animals, and people. Thus, dams as structures necessary to obtain hydroelectric power are the most significant factor in the negative environmental impact. Compared to other forms of renewable energy generation, including solar and wind energy, hydropower is more harmful. The environmental impact of hydropower is also higher than that of nuclear power. Although it involves accidents as the main source of negative influence, it affects the habitual life of animals, plants, and fish. Compared to fossil fuels, hydropower offers a great environmental advantage by generating a significant amount of energy. Dams can only be built on large rivers with sufficiently strong currents, which is a key factor in the negative impact. A smaller dam is associated with less influence but also less energy generation and economic benefit.
Work Cited
Earth Science for Students. “Hydroelectric Power.” Earth Science for Students, 2010.