The Panama Canal is a strategic navigation route located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, with a length of 80 km and was inaugurated in 1914. Its operation is based on the use of locks at both ends, which raise the boats to Gatun Lake. This lake, 164 square miles and 88 feet (27.5m) high, acts as a man-made freshwater reservoir.
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The canal has five sets of locks: Pedro Miguel, Agua Clara, Miraflores, Gatún and Cocolí. In Miraflores and Pedro Miguel, a two-stage system is used to raise the level from the Pacific to Gatún Lake, while in Gatún, a triple system lowers the level from the lake to the Atlantic.
What is the problem with the Panama Canal?
Panama faces a significant reduction in atmospheric precipitation and an increase in temperatures due to climate change. This situation has had a significant impact on the Panama Canal, specifically in the decrease in the volumes of fresh water necessary for its optimal operation. Despite being a country with an equatorial climate and one of the most humid in the world, average rainfall has decreased by 30% this year.
The 1.5 degree Celsius temperature increase at Gatun Lake has resulted in significantly higher evaporation levels than 25 years ago. This, together with the decrease in freshwater contributions, has led to restrictions on ship transit.
Where does the water for the Panama Canal come from?
The canal is supplied by the artificial lakes of Gatún and Alajuela, which not only provide water for ship navigation but also for the supply of drinking water to Panama City. These lakes are fed through the canal's hydrographic basins, composed of three lakes (Gatún, Miraflores and Alajuela) and six sub-basins. The reduction in atmospheric precipitation has affected this supply of fresh water for both rivers and artificial lakes.
Why is the canal running out of fresh water?
The Panama Canal is unique in the world in using fresh water for its operations, especially when filling the locks. Around 197 million liters of fresh water are used for each lockage, which is finally discharged into the sea. The lack of compensation by the hydrographic basins, due to the decrease in precipitation, has led to the restriction in the crossing of ships and, therefore, a decrease in operating profits.
What does the National Climate Action Plan (PNAC) establish?
Since June 2022, Panama has had a National Climate Action Plan that seeks to meet commitments by 2050. Although it is a well-developed plan and aligned with environmental standards, it is crucial to continually monitor and adjust it to address specific challenges related to climate change. the sustainable operation of the channel. Aspects such as watershed and forest management are essential to balance freshwater supply and canal functionality.
What measures have the canal authorities taken?
Canal authorities have implemented freshwater conservation practices, but face the difficult task of balancing demand and production. Water shortages have led to restrictions on ship transit, affecting the canal's profitability. Alternatives, such as new groundwater sources, treatment plants and reservoirs, are being studied to address this problem in the short, medium and long term.
Conclusions
The proper management of water resources is a crucial responsibility for the State. In the case of Panama, the alteration of the hydrological cycle due to climate change has led to a decrease in precipitation and, therefore, a shortage of fresh water. It is imperative that national authorities work together and promptly to guarantee new sources of water to maintain the operation of the canal, crucial for the country's economy along with the supply of drinking water. With its abundance of water resources and tropical conditions, Panama has the capacity to overcome this situation with sustainable and socio-environmental measures.
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