A controversial dam in the Amazon unites Indigenous people and scientists, and transplanting mitochondria to treat rare diseases
Science Magazine Podcast
00:00
The Impact of the Belomante Dam in the Brazilian Amazon
The Belomante Dam in the Brazilian Amazon is one of the largest hydroelectric power complexes in the world. It's been surrounded by controversy since it was first proposed decades ago because of its impact on ecosystems and communities that rely on them. One of these communities, the Giruna, an indigenous group in the region, have seen fisheries dwindle, water levels drop, and species disappear. The Giruna teamed up with scientists years ago and have been a driving force in the research efforts to quantify the ecological effects of Belomante. Freelance journalist and former science news intern Sophia Mucchino visited the region back in September to see some of their ongoing work.
Transcript
Play full episode
