Recent Panama Canal Drought Caused by El Niño, Not Global Warming

A recent international study has concluded that the 🧾 recent drought in the Panama Canal was driven by below-normal rainfall associated with the natural climate cycle El Niño, and 🧾 not by global warming.

Impact of Low Rainfall

The drought caused low reservoir levels that slowed cargo traffic 🧾 in the canal for most of the past year, leading to expensive headaches for shipping companies worldwide. However, only in 🧾 recent months have crossings started to pick up again.

Future Water Scarcity

As Panama's population grows and seaborne 🧾 trade expands, water demand is expected to be a much larger share of available supply by 2050, according to the 🧾 government. That means future El Niño years could bring even wider disruptions, not just to global shipping, but also to 🧾 water supplies for local residents.

Research Findings

The research team found that scant rain, not high temperatures, was 🧾 the main reason for low water in the canal's reservoirs. The scientists couldn't find a solid link between human-induced climate 🧾 change and the minor drying trend or future trends. They did, however, find a clear link between El Niño and 🧾 below-average rainfall in the area.