[Eala]

Are there any precedents for such an ambitious vision? In the 1980s China adopted a nationwide energy efficiency program. Within a decade, overall energy intensity fell by 50% while economic growth led the developing world.

It's been a long time since I've seen a city with as much air pollution as Beijing. And look at one of China's solutions -- the Three Gorges Dam. Just think of how many irreplaceable preciouss species are being wiped out by that solution.

[Paleo Conservative]

Just think of how many irreplaceable preciouss species are being wiped out by that solution.

On the other hand how many of these species have close relatives in the same genus with which the share over 95% + of their genes? Is genetic diversity really hurt all that much by the loss of species? If simlilar ecological niches opened up to another species in the same genus, it's possible that a similar species to the extinct species would evolve again.

[Quix]

Species, species.

Species have crashed and burned throughout history at the hands of one another and the hands of natural disasters.

We are a species. We have a big impact.

I'm more saddened by the archeological digs and potential digs covered up by the water. But, one could say preserved.

And then there's the predictions that the weight of the water will bring about quakes.

But having breathed the coal laden air of Mainland China for 2 years--whatever would relieve the people of that would be to the good at least on that score.