The Three Gorges Dam in China is the largest hydroelectric dam ever built. The Three Gorges Dam (TGD) was built to prevent flooding and produce energy. Floods have ravaged the Yangtze for centuries; Chinese authorities estimate that some 300,000 people were killed during the worst Yangtze River floods of the 20th century. In 2012, during the peak flood season, with a peak flow of 70,000 cubic meters of water per second (Angela), the TGD operated as designed in controlling flood waters, since the Yangtze flooded, saving thousands of lives. Power generation has been as inclusive as flood prevention: "hydropower produced by the TGD will provide only 3% of China's energy needs (it was initially assumed to provide 10%, but the increase (Angela). Even though the hydroelectric plants at China's Three Gorges Dam produce energy and prevent flooding, the dam now threatens China's biodiversity. TGD has altered the structure and functioning of ecosystems, disrupting the aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity of this region. One of the global diversities threatened by the dam is aquatic. TGD has disrupted natural seasonal flow patterns to which aquatic animals are adapted, blocks and destroys spawning grounds and migratory pathways, and fragments aquatic populations. This fragmentation plays a major role in the loss of biodiversity. Indeed, certain species of endemic aquatic mammals and fish are on the verge of extinction, such as the Chinese river dolphin, the finless porpoise and the Chinese paddlefish. [Efforts and challenges for the environment.] The reservoir created by the TGD is a..... .middle of paper......not acceptable. Would there have been another plan, another size or another location of the dam with less impact on biodiversity, WE WILL NEVER KNOW! TGD poses more problems than benefits; there have been numerous landslides, drought in central and eastern China, increased seismic activity, increased disease and a devastating blow to the environment. I know that the Three Gorges Dam provides China with a flood control system (which has ravaged their country for centuries) and hydroelectric plants, providing China with much needed energy. Essentially, I am saying that the TGD has experienced catastrophic events on current and future biodiversity. If we continue to destroy the environment, we will end up with less clean water, less available land and fewer natural resources. The effects of TGD on biodiversity beg the question “was it worth it”? I should contradict those who say "yes.”