The justification is, as ever, a growing population and increasing energy demand, though money is of course a driving factor behind the plans. There is vocal and sometimes violent opposition from the people of Patagonia and environmental groups, but it has gone unheeded, and only government approval is needed for the construction, from 2014, of five power stations, the damming of two major rivers and the draining of a lake famed for its delicate and perfect ecosystem.
Interfering with the natural flow of water brings unintended consequences, and many of the extremes of weather that we witness regularly are caused by forcing nature to follow the whims of man and not the encouragement of Gaia. In Patagonia, the land and the rivers will adjust in time and a new landscape will cause the old to be forgotten; while something ancient and wonderful will be lost, resilient species will adapt and new ones will arrive to take the place of those which are gone for ever.
Progress is inevitable and can be good, particularly if there is understanding and co-operation between all the interest groups involved, but in this case – I do wonder……..]]>
