Can the Panama Canal Avert a Water Crisis?
The iconic Panama Canal faces a water shortage.
Unlike its counterpart, the Egypt's Suez Canal, it relies on freshwater from Lake Gatún, which is experiencing critically low levels.
During a boat trip across the lake, the authority's hydrologist, Nelson Guerra, indicates that the water level is five feet below what it should be, evidenced by the exposed tree stumps from the canal's initial construction—signs of an intensifying dry season.
The canal depends on rainwater, which has been scarce due to low precipitation and the El Niño effect, marking the second driest year in its 110-year existence. The severe drought last October saw rainfall drop by 41%, risking the annual $270 billion in cargo transit.
To conserve water, passage has been restricted, meaning fewer and lighter ships traverse daily, impacting global trade: 5% of maritime commerce and 40% of US container traffic rely on this shortcut. Shipping delays could inflate costs and extend delivery times.
The water shortage also affects domestic drinking supply for half of Panama's population, including Panama City.
Efforts are underway to future-proof the canal. The sustainability director, Ilya Espino de Marotta, is spearheading initiatives, planning a $8.5 billion investment in sustainable projects over five years.
Conservation steps include reusing water between lock chambers and saving water with the newer Neo-Panamax locks. Plans to build reservoirs and potentially dam the Indio River to refill Lake Gatún could increase daily vessel traffic. However, these initiatives face legislative hurdles and construction timelines.
Desalination plants are considered, despite costs and energy demands, alongside innovative, older techniques like cloud seeding to induce rain.
As Panama Canal trade volume plummeted by 49%, José Cervantes from shipping company Agunsa notes the dire effects on commerce. Alternative routes and transport methods create additional expenses.
An anticipated rainy season may offer temporary relief but underscores the broader concerns of climate change and its profound implications for global trade and the Panama Canal's longevity.
During a boat trip across the lake, the authority's hydrologist, Nelson Guerra, indicates that the water level is five feet below what it should be, evidenced by the exposed tree stumps from the canal's initial construction—signs of an intensifying dry season.
The canal depends on rainwater, which has been scarce due to low precipitation and the El Niño effect, marking the second driest year in its 110-year existence. The severe drought last October saw rainfall drop by 41%, risking the annual $270 billion in cargo transit.
To conserve water, passage has been restricted, meaning fewer and lighter ships traverse daily, impacting global trade: 5% of maritime commerce and 40% of US container traffic rely on this shortcut. Shipping delays could inflate costs and extend delivery times.
The water shortage also affects domestic drinking supply for half of Panama's population, including Panama City.
Efforts are underway to future-proof the canal. The sustainability director, Ilya Espino de Marotta, is spearheading initiatives, planning a $8.5 billion investment in sustainable projects over five years.
Conservation steps include reusing water between lock chambers and saving water with the newer Neo-Panamax locks. Plans to build reservoirs and potentially dam the Indio River to refill Lake Gatún could increase daily vessel traffic. However, these initiatives face legislative hurdles and construction timelines.
Desalination plants are considered, despite costs and energy demands, alongside innovative, older techniques like cloud seeding to induce rain.
As Panama Canal trade volume plummeted by 49%, José Cervantes from shipping company Agunsa notes the dire effects on commerce. Alternative routes and transport methods create additional expenses.
An anticipated rainy season may offer temporary relief but underscores the broader concerns of climate change and its profound implications for global trade and the Panama Canal's longevity.
Comments
Oh ya 259 days ago
Could the big hole left from the copper mine be used as a water storage pond for the canal? I think it is under 100 km from the city and running pipe that far is done everyday in the form of oil pipelines. Studies would have to be done to see if there is a way to divert water to fill the old mine. The big expense of digging a storage pit is already done, the pipe and pumps price would be offset by that.
