After a severe drought, rain finally fell on the Panama Canal and its artificial reservoir, Lake Gatún. More ships can now pass through the canal, a crucial global trade route between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
This is good news for the shipping industry and the environment.
However, as The New York Times reported, this relief and uptick in ship traffic is only temporary and will not last long because of frequent El Niño periods, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events.
🗣️ Should the government be allowed to restrict how much water we use?
🔘 Definitely 💯
🔘 Only during major droughts 🏜️
🔘 No way 🙅
🔘 I'm not sure 🤷
🗳️ Click your choice to see results and speak your mind
In the past, the canal allowed approximately 13,000 ships to pass from ocean to ocean. However, with low water levels since October, only 10,000 ships have been able to complete the journey, and many of those had to reduce their cargo loads because of the lack of water.
Lake Gatún is also the source of drinking water for more than half of Panama's population.
The long-term solution being pursued is a Río Indio dam that would serve as an additional reservoir and refill the Panama Canal during droughts. But the problem with this plan is that it would displace at least 2,000 primarily impoverished people and force them to lose their homes and ways to make a living.
Stay hydrated and refreshed this holiday season — without any sugar or harmful additives Nuun’s zero-sugar hydration tablets are a perfect, guilt-free way to enhance your water throughout the day. You’ll get five essential electrolytes for everyday hydration — with zero grams of sugar. Plus, Nuun tablets are certified vegan and gluten-free, and they’re the perfect size to keep in your car, purse, or anywhere you'll want a healthy, restorative drink. Learn more → |
Regardless, Panama Canal authorities are moving forward with the six-year, $1.6 million dam project.
"Fortunately, we now have a path forward," Panama Canal CFO Victor Vial said. "That should take care of the next 50 years."
But what about the next 50 years after that and the people whose lives will be uprooted by the project?
Though residents are skeptical, canal authorities insist they will receive compensation and be better off after the relocation.
There's a reason dermatologists personally use this daily moisturizing sunscreen more than any other brand Dermatologists see and understand skin at a much deeper level than the rest of us, and they know that the perfect SPF both protects and corrects your skin. That's why they trust, recommend, and personally use EltaMD more than any other brand. EltaMD's clinically tested formulas are designed with dermatologists to meet the needs of any skin type or condition. They're also designed for consistent daily wear to build long-term resilience with a moisturizing, lightweight, non-comedogenic texture — plus hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more → |
This story is an extreme example of how droughts and weather changes impact people's lives worldwide.
In other places, millions of people are rationing electricity and water or living under constant water restrictions, while child death rates are also rising, all due to droughts. Much-needed storms give us temporary relief from droughts, yet sustainable solutions are needed to offset the impacts of our overheating planet.
"The past 20 years have been totally different than from the previous 80 years," Vial said. "Forget about 2000 and before, because climate change has, in crescendo, had an impact that's much different."
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
