The Way Forward

"No generation before ours would have asked the question, 'Can we save earth's rivers?' It has an ominous ring: how can it possibly be up to us to save earth’s rivers? But the degree of our dominion over rivers has put us in exactly this position. Most rivers are no longer controlled by nature, but by us."

The Earth's rivers are indeed endangered. Large dams and diversions are the primary culprit for the massive changes to ecosystems and communities. In the face of a changing climate, the question of saving earth's rivers is even more pressing. Here is our three-part plan on ways forward to reverse this decline.

Build fewer and better dams.

Those who have power over the control and engineering of the world's rivers have largely failed to protect these amazing natural systems for the greater common good. Better standards are needed that allow more voices to be heard, more options to be considered, and provide better protections in the planning of water and energy infrastructure. Much of the hard work for improving decision-making on large dams has already been done by the World Commission on Dams. More work is needed to make their recommendations a reality.

Focus more resources on better development solutions.

Breakthroughs in renewable energy technologies, energy-efficiency improvements and decentralized energy systems require greater investment in research, development and deployment. The world's developing countries should be assisted in finding a cleaner, more efficient energy path, rather than in projects that repeat the mistakes of the past. We may not be able to avoid global warming's worst impacts, but a sustained effort to implement “no regrets” adaptation measures such as better flood warning and evacuation systems and improved groundwater management could enable even the poorest countries to avoid the worst flood and drought disasters.

Take down dams that have done the most harm.

Increased international recognition of the high costs of dams, along with numerous river restoration successes, are inspiring dam removal campaigns worldwide. Many dams have outlived their purpose or have been abandoned by their owners, posing a danger to public safety. Other dams continue to operate, though with changes to how they release water that more closely mimic natural flows and can help restore ecosystems. Learn more about the growing effort to remove and re-operate dams.

This is not a simple path to take. Communities, activists and organizations that are doing extraordinary work to defend or restore free-flowing rivers are eligible for the Free Rivers Award. This award supports effective grassroots campaigns and celebrates their successes. The Free Rivers Award is sponsored by International Rivers, Friends of the Earth International and Oxfam Australia. It was created in 2009 and is granted every three years on World Water Day.

It is within the reach of all of us to save the earth's rivers - if we take the right political decisions. International Rivers and the global movement to which we belong will keep pushing to ensure these decisions are taken. Every one of us can be part of the solution.

LATEST ADDITIONS:

Are Dams In Patagonia Necessary? An Analysis of Chile's Energy Future

Hydro Industry Seeks to Weaken Standards

The Power of Negawatts: Energy Efficiency

Hydropower: Not As Clean as You Think

Reviving the World's Rivers