A massive dam project in Turkey that would flood historic areas and displace 50,000 people is losing international support, as officials in Germany threaten to pull out of the project -- often called a smaller version of China's Three Gorges Dam.
"The German government on Thursday described as "unacceptable" what it called the Turkish government's failure to comply with the terms of a deal to build a massive and controversial dam and is reiterating its threat to suspend Berlin's participation in the project. If the government pulls out its export guarantees, the ambitious project could collapse."
"The project entails the construction of the so-called Ilisu dam along the upper stretch of the Tigris River, which would lead to the flooding of ancient cultural treasures and displace as many as 50,000 residents. Critics have called it a miniature version of the highly controversial Three Gorges Dam project in China."
"The government's response reiterated claims made in a recent study by a panel of experts that Turkey had failed to meet many of the 153 criteria that had been established as prerequisites for the project to receive German government-backed export guarantees. Though the government's letter notes that Turkey does have the right 'to correct its shortcomings within a reasonable period of time,' Berlin is still threatening to pull out of the project."
FULL STORY: Berlin Threatens Project Pullout
Minnesota Dam Failure Highlights Nationwide Danger
The Rapidan Dam isn’t the only one at risk of imminent failure.
Living With Flooding in a German Port Town
A riverside neighborhood in Hamburg embraces flooding as part of its resilience planning, using old techniques to protect modern communities.
Climate Change in Action: Massive Storms, Dam Failures
The dam failures that sent residents of Michigan scrambling last week can be connected to the extreme weather events created by climate change, according to experts.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie