Trans-border public health vulnerability and hydroelectric projects: The case of Yali Falls Dam

Abstract

The need for energy due to economic and population pressure has resulted in a great expansion of hydroelectric dam projects around the world, especially in Asia. These hydroelectric projects have resulted in considerable environmental, economic, and social damage. Typically, the economic development—environmental degradation dynamic has been examined. However, rarely has the economic development, environmental degradation, public health connection been made. This paper, using primary data collected from household surveys, completes the economic, environment, public health circle by examining how economic and environmental changes from the Yali Falls dam in Vietnam has impacted the health of people living in three remote villages in Cambodia.