Dam Descusion

The topic of dam use in our environment is a controversial topic on many levels. The list of pros and cons is a long one and the positives and negatives never seem to be all on one side. There are good points and bad points weither you look at it from a environmental, economic, or scientific point of view.
After reading all the research done on dams, we might ask ourselves, "Should dams be taken out of rivers?"
I feel that dams are essential for providing the astronomical amount of power needed to sustain the world's population and energy needs. Dams provide cheap power, increase available water supply to residential areas, and beautify areas surrounding these dams.
Firstly, power provided by dams is cheap in comparison to other sources of energy. It has the ability to decrease green house gases and the money saved from producing dam energy can be used to fight global warming, make homes energy efficient and re-plant forests.
Secondly, dams provide water to areas that would normally have periods of drought and have failed crops due to poor irrigation. Farms have the opportunity to prosper, wildlife and fish flourish and drinking water is plentiful. Water is less likely to become contaminated in areas that have abundant water supply from dams.
Thirdly, dams beautify areas surrounding them. There is lush vegetation, healthy trees, plenty of birds and wildlife. Dams also provide parks, skating ponds, walking trails, fishing spots, and boating.
Therefore, I feel that dams should remain in the rivers and that they are essential for providing the amount of power needed to sustain the world's population and energy needs.