BBC News Feature: China’s Megadams & the Future of Global Water Diplomacy
The Geneva Water Hub is proud to highlight the participation of its Director General, Professor Mark Zeitoun, in a recent episode of BBC’s "The Inquiry" exploring one of the world’s most pressing hydropolitical issues: Why is China building the world’s biggest dam?
As China continues to expand its dominance in hydropower, projects like the Baihetan Dam—one of the largest ever constructed—raise critical questions about regional power dynamics, environmental consequences, and the future of transboundary water governance. In his interview, Professor Zeitoun provides expert insights on how such megaprojects influence water security on a global scale.
The Geopolitical and Environmental Impacts of China’s Megadams
During the discussion, Professor Zeitoun highlights key issues related to large-scale dam construction:
- Shifting Geopolitical Power – Large dams can "significantly alter regional power dynamics", especially for downstream nations that depend on shared rivers.
- Environmental Risks – Hydropower projects disrupt river ecosystems, leading to "unintended ecological consequences" that affect biodiversity and local communities.
- The Need for Cooperation – Effective transboundary water governance is essential, as "transboundary dialogue is crucial to ensuring equitable resource distribution."
Geneva Water Hub’s Commitment to Water as an Instrument of Peace
At the Geneva Water Hub, we firmly believe that water should be a catalyst for peace, not a driver of conflict. Our mission is to support global efforts in water diplomacy, transboundary negotiations, and hydropolitical research, ensuring sustainable and equitable water resource management.
Why This Discussion Matters
With climate change accelerating water scarcity, managing shared water resources has never been more critical. China’s dam-building strategy is just one example of how infrastructure projects can have far-reaching political and environmental impacts. At the Geneva Water Hub, we continue to advocate for international cooperation to prevent water conflicts and foster sustainable solutions.
Listen to the full BBC discussion featuring Professor Mark Zeitoun here: [BBC Podcast Link]