The wave of construction of hydro-power plants in the central region of Vietnam is sparking fears of an environment disaster because streams and rivers are being emptied. It is feared that 1.7 million people will be short of water for nine months a year, from January to September. Moreover, over 20,000 hectares of agricultural land in the lower reaches of the Vu Gia river will lack water. The construction of many hydro-power plants on the same river will affect flows downstream. Da Nang will be one of locations that suffers the most once river flows dry up. It is a typical example of how one environmental solution (creating renewable energy) ends up causing another enviromental problem (water shortages). We should not always assume that 'clean energy' is good for the environment and in Vietnam it seems that hydropower is going to lead to serious environmental and social consequences. Full story here.