The Panama Canal is currently facing a severe drought, with Gatún Lake, its primary water source, recording historically low levels. This situation is expected to persist until May, as stated by Joshua Tewksbury, director of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, describing it as "one of the lowest, one of the driest on record."
The drought, exacerbated by an El Niño year, is compelling cargo ships to seek alternative, longer oceanic routes, thereby increasing carbon emissions. Cargo shipping, a significant contributor to global greenhouse gases, is thus under scrutiny for its environmental impact. The drought is also intensified by human-induced global warming, which amplifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Furthermore, Panama's growing demand for clean drinking water, sourced primarily from Gatún Lake, adds to the crisis, highlighting the multifaceted challenges posed by the current drought.
Source: thecooldown.com