DamNation: The Problem with Hydropower
Synopsis
There are 75,000 dams over three feet high in the United States, raising concerns about their ecological impact and the future of free-flowing rivers.
Synopsis
Ben, the narrator, reflects on his initial ignorance about dams while standing at the site of a massive structure that once altered a river's course. "DamNation: The Problem with Hydropower" traces the evolution of hydropower in the United States, revealing the environmental consequences of over 75,000 dams. The film discusses significant events, including the South Fork Dam failure, and features voices from activists and experts advocating for the removal of dams to restore natural waterways. It questions the sustainability of current energy practices.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See how a dam's construction changed a region's geography.
- Meet the narrator who reflects on their past ignorance of dams.
- Find out why some view dam removal as a hopeful act.
Did You Know
- There are 75,000 dams over three feet high in the United States.
- The tallest dam discussed in the film rises 726 feet above the riverbed.
- The film features a celebration of a dam's completion that was seen as an engineering victory.
- The narrator used to sneak inside dam overflow tunnels for photography.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dams are there in the United States?
There are 75,000 dams over three feet high in the United States.
What is the height of the greatest dam in the world mentioned in the documentary?
The greatest dam in the world rises 726 feet above the bedrock of the river.
What was the initial perception of removing a dam a couple of decades ago?
It was considered radical to think about taking a dam out and reconnecting a watershed with the fish that had been there for hundreds of thousands of years.
What are people saying?
Play More Like This
Browse more like this
Related Films
Is this your film?
If you made this film or hold the rights to it, we'd like to talk. We can license it and pay you a share of what it earns.
Comments