When Brazil is brought into the equation, the first things that pop into my mind are beautiful women, beautiful beaches and a friendly atmosphere. I now am equating Brazil to the forerunner on hydroelectric power after reading an article titled Brazil pushes ahead with Amazon power plan from the Financial Times. The country is planning to build the world’s largest hydroelectric power planet in the middle of the Amazon jungle. On the surface this seems like a great way to provide power to millions of people in this region of the world. The decision has created an outpouring of opposition from the likes of James Cameron and other celebrities worried about what this hydroelectric power plant could do to the unique environment of the Amazon.
Known as the Belo Monte hydroelectric power project the hope is to create 11,200 megawatts of power according to the Financial Times. This project has a long way to go, as the construction company heading it has yet to be selected. Concerns about this hydroelectric power plant project include the possibility of lower water levels in a section of the Amazon’s largest tributaries. Inherently this could affect everything from plants, animals, insects to the people who live around this region.
I don’t know enough about this project to make any assumptions but it is ironic that an idea driven by free electricity created from the strong currents of the Amazon is possibly no better for the environment in the area then older means of energy. I expect to see this hydroelectric power debacle show up in the news more as big names like James Cameron jump in to raise awareness. With his finical backing pretty much anything is possible.
Going green in this example may not be the best for the environment. When we start harnessing nature as a means of energy, we have to make sure to keep the collateral damage minimal. Obviously, no large construction project in a dense jungle, forest, desert, ocean or arctic landscape can completely avoid jarring the surrounding environment but steps can be taken to lower this risk. We will see if Brazil rethinks their plan with an increased outcry. I have never heard anything like from places like American National Solar at http://www.americannationalsolar.com/ when solar panel projects are in the works. Maybe solar thermal energy is the best route for future energy creation. From what I have seen in the Southwest and California, solar energy is effective, easy to install and a powerful way to harness the environment naturally.
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When Brazil is brought into the equation, the first things that pop into my mind are beautiful women, beautiful beaches and a friendly atmosphere. I now am equating Brazil to the forerunner on hydroelectric power after reading an article titled Brazil pushes ahead with Amazon power plan from the Financial Times. The country is planning to build the world’s largest hydroelectric power planet in the middle of the Amazon jungle. On the surface this seems like a great way to provide power to millions of people in this region of the world. The decision has created an outpouring of opposition from the likes of James Cameron and other celebrities worried about what this hydroelectric power plant could do to the unique environment of the Amazon. 
