Xiangli Ding, an associate professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, dives deep into China’s hydropower evolution. He discusses how hydropower projects have not only shaped the energy landscape but also impacted ecosystems and communities. Xiangli highlights the political motivations behind these developments and the human cost of reservoir displacements. He contrasts historical practices with modern technologies, showcasing the intricate relationship between water management and state power in 20th-century China.

Xiangli Ding, an associate professor of history specializing in modern China and environmental history, discusses his book, highlighting the dual nature of hydropower in China. He explores the historical evolution of dams, revealing their impact on landscapes and communities. The conversation delves into the human cost of hydropower development in the 1950s, emphasizing resettlement challenges. Ding also examines the interplay of energy, ecology, and political change, illustrating how infrastructure projects reshaped not just energy systems but also social dynamics.