China’s Dam-Building in Tibet Raises Environmental and Social Alarms: Report

China's rapid construction of dams on the upper Yellow River in Tibet threatens severe environmental and social consequences, according to a report by Turquoise Roof. Building on permafrost near melting glaciers risks methane emissions, geological instability, and ecosystem damage. Entire Tibetan communities and cultural heritage sites, including monasteries, are being displaced or destroyed, while invasive fish farming disrupts local biodiversity. Despite showcasing renewable projects, China’s energy grid heavily favors coal, undermining decarbonization claims. Critics argue these hydropower projects prioritize state control over water resources and national development, exacerbating downstream impacts across Asia and displacing Tibetans from their land and culture.