Hydroelectricity and Development in Northern Finland and Northern Québec

Abstract

The article gives a short comparison between the Kemi River hydroelectric project in northern Finland and the James Bay hydroelectric project in northeastern Québec. They are both quite good examples of the wasteful use of natural resources, which has been so typical in the northern peripheries all over the globe. The recent controversies in Canada and Finland have caused people to examine more closely what really means the proper balance between conserving the environment and raising the standard of living.