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The damming of the Hetch Hetchy Valley is perhaps the most significant environmental debate of the 20th century. The urgency to sustain nature for future generations was brought to the center of the public eye. Preservationists and conservationists drew sides in this debate, arousing public opinion and resorting to diplomatic, political maneuvers.
Conservationists prevailed in the debate because of their use of diplomacy, even though the preservationists correctly predicted the failures of the damming. Hetch Hetchy can be considered a success because of its role in promoting environmentalism. This event was a lesson learned in nature conservation and a stepping stone towards a larger environmental movement. |
Voice of Harrison Ford source: Restore Hetch Hetchy |