Actually, hydropower produces substantial amounts of carbon dioxide and methane emissions, though this varies radically from dam to dam. But, for example, a study by Fearnside a few years ago found the greenhouse effect of emissions from the Curuá-Una dam in Pará, Brazil, was more than three-and-a-half times what would have been produced by generating the same amount of electricity from oil. This is attributable to carbon releases from trees and other plants when the reservoir is flooded and the plants rot. Methane releases occur because plant matter settling on the reservoir's bottom decomposes without oxygen, resulting in a build-up of dissolved methane. This is released into the atmosphere when water passes through the dam's turbines. Dr. Wil Burns, Co-Chair American Society of International Law - International Environmental Law Group 1702 Arlington Blvd. El Cerrito, CA 94530 USA Ph: 650.281.9126 Fax:214.580.9415 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ________________________________________________ More life; the great work begins "Angels in America" -----Original Message----- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Judith Weis Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2006 3:13 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: What's the best energy source? Hydro doesn't produce pollution, but it sure is lethal for salmon and other species that have to migrate up and/or down rivers. 1880's: "There's lots of good fish in the sea" W.S. Gilbert 1990's: Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution. 2000's: Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction MAY help restore populations. \ \ \ \ \ - - _ - \ \ \ \ ----\ - _ - \ - - ( O \ _ - -_ __ / - - / -/// _ ______ ___/ /// / Judith S. Weis, Professor Department of Biological Sciences Rutgers University, Newark NJ 07102 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: 973 353-5387 FAX 973 353-5518 http://newarkbiosci.rutgers.edu/faculty/weis.html
William C.G. Burns, Co-Chair American Society of International Law - International Environmental Law Group 1702 Arlington Blvd. El Cerrito, CA 94530 USA Ph: 650.281.9126 Fax: 801.838.8710 http://www.internationalwildlifelaw.org
