The benefits of restoring rivers extend well beyond trade-offs between fish and electricity.
Free-flowing rivers provide greater ecosystem productivity sustaining wildlife and people. Restoring flow enhances biodiversity and creates resilient ecosystems that can adapt to changing environmental conditions. Water flows help maintain healthy riverbanks, not only providing habitat for plants, birds, and wildlife, but also areas for recreation. Studies have shown again and again that people highly value healthy rivers that support fisheries, wildlife, climate regulation and drinking water.
An economic analysis looking at over 40 studies on the benefits of river restoration found that on average U.S households gain $80 of economic benefits annually from restoring a river the size of the Eklutna. That figure does not even include the economic impacts of restored salmon runs to tourism and commercial and subsistence fisheries.
The current debate also fails to place the decision within Alaska’s future energy picture. Alaskans have barely tapped the first fuel— energy conservation. Alaska’s energy options are rapidly evolving, and the cost of renewables — such as wind, solar, geothermal, micro-hydro and energy storage — is falling sharply. The Bradley Lake hydropower project, which doesn’t affect salmon, is set for another expansion in 2027 that will exceed the power output of the Eklutna Hydro project.
The views expressed here are the writer’s and are not necessarily endorsed by the Anchorage Daily News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, emailA fence meant to help with pedestrian safety went up in the middle of a busy Anchorage road. Will it?A fence meant to help with pedestrian safety went up in the middle of a busy Anchorage road. Will it?
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
Boy, 13, disappears in East River while trying to prove to his friends he can jump in: copsDivers searching for teen who jumped in East River by soccer field
Baca lebih lajut »
Strategic Minerals to ‘fight’ for reopening of suspended section at its Spanish tin-tantalum mineNo 1 source of global mining news and opinion
Baca lebih lajut »
Oktoberfest at Grand Hyatt San Antonio River WalkGrand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk is hosting an “Oktoberfest” event at its signature Bar Rojo. The hotel’s Oktoberfest event will take place on Tuesday, October 24 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Bar Rojo. The event will feature beers from local breweries, delicious culinary specials, and live music from ATay for guests to enjoy.
Baca lebih lajut »
Offshore wind farms could offset billions of dollars in climate change-related costs in the Pacific NorthwestNo 1 source of global mining news and opinion
Baca lebih lajut »
Video: Frank Giustra talks junior exploration and macro money mattersNo 1 source of global mining news and opinion
Baca lebih lajut »