8g. hydro-electric pros and cons

Pros: 1. Hydroelectric energy is a renewable energy source, meaning it can be continually replenished. This makes it an environmentally friendly, sustainable option. 2. Hydroelectric energy is not as costly to produce as other forms of energy because it uses natural resources like water and gravity, thus reducing reliance on expensive fossil fuels. 3. Hydroelectric energy produces no air pollution, meaning it can be used in heavily populated areas with reduced risk of long-term health effects. 4. Hydroelectric plants are scalable, meaning they can easily be adapted to suit local needs. Cons: 1. The building of dams and the installation of hydroelectric plants can result in large-scale flooding of natural environments, destroying vital ecosystems. 2. Despite advances in improving the efficiency of producing hydroelectricity, it still requires a lot of water to produce energy. This increases the amount of evaporation from the reservoirs and can lead to a decrease in water quality in the surrounding areas. 3. The costs of constructing a hydroelectric plant are often very high, and their profitability depends upon the price of alternative energy sources. 4. Hydroelectric power is dependent upon a reliable source of water, making it vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as droughts or floods.