The Way Forward

"No generation before ours would have asked the question, 'Can we save earth's rivers?' It has an ominous ring: how can it possibly be up to us to save earth’s rivers? But the degree of our dominion over rivers has put us in exactly this position. Most rivers are no longer controlled by nature, but by us."

The Earth's rivers are indeed endangered. Large dams and diversions are the primary culprit for the massive changes to ecosystems and communities. In the face of a changing climate, the question of saving earth's rivers is even more pressing. Here is our three-part plan on ways forward to reverse this decline.

Build fewer and better dams.

Those who have power over the control and engineering of the world's rivers have largely failed to protect these amazing natural systems for the greater common good. Better standards are needed that allow for more voices to be heard, more options to be considered, and better protections to be in place in the planning of water and energy infrastructure. The hard work for improving decision-making on large dams has already been done by the World Commission on Dams. More work is needed to make these recommendations a reality.

Focus more resources on better development solutions.

Breakthroughs in renewable energy technologies, energy-efficiency improvements and decentralized energy systems will require greater investment in research, development and deployment. The world's developing countries should be aided in leapfrogging to a cleaner, more efficient energy path as well, rather than in projects that repeat the mistakes of the past.

Likewise, we cannot avoid global warming's worst impacts. But a sustained effort to implement “no regrets” adaptation measures such as better flood warning and evacuation systems and improved groundwater management could enable even the poorest countries to avoid the worst flood and drought disasters.

Take down dams that have done the most harm.

Increased international recognition of the high costs of dams, along with numerous river restoration successes, are inspiring dam removal campaigns worldwide. Many dams have simply outlived their purpose or have been abandoned by their owners, posing a danger to public safety. Other dams continue to operate, though with changes to how they release water that more closely mimic natural flows and can help restore ecosystems. Learn more about the growing effort to remove and re-operate dams.

This is not a simple path to take. But it is within our reach if we take the right political decisions. International Rivers and the global movement to which we belong will keep pushing to ensure these decisions are taken. Every one of us can be part of the solution.