Virtually anyone who looks at the big picture of our nation’s waterways will see that the infatuation with dams of all shapes and sizes was significantly inflated. Whether it be giant structures that cut salmon off from hundreds of miles of spawning habitat or a small concrete abutment that led to flooding, the overuse of dams has revealed their limitations.
Cracked: The Future of Dams in a Hot, Chaotic World by Steven Hawley seeks to address the issue of dams and dam removal head-on. The book chronicles what led the United States to adopt so many dams, what had spurred the movement to tear them down, and stories of various levels of success.
A significant work backed with palpable passion, the book is definitely thought provoking and suitable to the conservation conversations that are happening right now. Read some specific thoughts on Cracked below:
Cracked does provide a significant entry point for those who want a broad overview of dams. There is the pure historical value of understanding the particulars of the construction and demolition of a number of infamous impoundments. There is also an overview for the prime factors considered in both of the aforementioned aspects: perceived water needs, land right acquisition, and technological obsolescence among them. Along a similar / photography
In a similar vein of the previous point, Hawley does go to lengths to illustrate the multifaceted nature of the “dam issue.” While he has strong opinions that are evident in the book (see below), he does walk through how the solution to old, dangerous, or even less-than-ideal dams isn’t as easy as tearing them down.
An interesting and practical part of the book was the prospective roadmap for those who want to take up the cause of dam removal. In an incredibly sensible and detailed chapter, Hawley walks through the extensive work that one must assume if he is going to make headway in opening up waterways.
Cracked does have a perceptible position regarding all dams and those who advocate for their construction or use. Presented up front in the manner that it is, I can’t imagine Hawley will win over many on the other side of the aisle. Also, the heavy-handed approach does not target the large swath of progressives who also view dams as a low-impact, green energy solution.
The writing itself suffered from an inconsistent tone. Long lists of well-articulated objective facts were punctuated by snarky asides. These interjections did not derail the arguments or flow of the text, but were certainly noticeable and discordant. I am not at all arguing for the inclusion of native land acknowledgments, but am curious as to what informed the author or editor’s perspective that chose to do so for all western hemisphere photos but not European pictures.
Another black-and-white aspect of the book is the consistent sense that the author is reserved to the fact that there won’t be or can’t be bipartisan compromise. As mentioned earlier, many in the left-leaning crowd must be convinced that dams, among other “clean” energy sources, are still a net ecological negative. If that political ideology can change, who is to say that right-leaning individuals can’t also see the value of opening up rivers. Perhaps the bait (economic opportunities, recreation, tax incentives) may not be as pure or wholesome as the author would desire, but if dam removal is the goal it is worth pursuing buy-in from a wider audience.
While there were definitely interesting, compelling, and helpful aspects of Cracked, the book will not have appeal with a broad audience. Yet if the reader has a significant interest in dams and dam removal already, or is concerned about getting engaged in a local initiative, it would be a helpful resource.
Find out more about Cracked: The Future of Dams in a Hot, Chaotic World by Steven Hawley at Patagonia’s website.