Laurence C. Smith

Rivers have played a critical role in shaping the course of human history. Rivers provide sustenance, waterways for travel, a source of energy, have played a part in warfare, and provide political boundaries. But we also terribly abuse these resources with pollution, enormous dam projects, and diversion projects. On this episode of Inquiry, we talk with  LAURENCE C. SMITH. He is the John Atwater and Diana Nelson University Professor of Environmental Studies and Professor of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Studies at Brown University. His new book is RIVERS OF POWER: HOW A NATURAL FORCE RAISED KINGDOMS, DESTROYED CIVILIZATIONS, AND SHAPES OUR WORLD.