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

A recent international study has concluded that the 1️⃣ recent drought in the Panama Canal was driven by below-normal rainfall associated with the natural climate cycle El Niño, and 1️⃣ not by global warming.

Impact of Low Rainfall

The drought caused low reservoir levels that slowed cargo traffic 1️⃣ in the canal for most of the past year, leading to expensive headaches for shipping companies worldwide. However, only in 1️⃣ recent months have crossings started to pick up again.

Future Water Scarcity

As Panama's population grows and seaborne 1️⃣ trade expands, water demand is expected to be a much larger share of available supply by 2050, according to the 1️⃣ government. That means future El Niño years could bring even wider disruptions, not just to global shipping, but also to 1️⃣ water supplies for local residents.

Research Findings

The research team found that scant rain, not high temperatures, was 1️⃣ the main reason for low water in the canal's reservoirs. The scientists couldn't find a solid link between human-induced climate 1️⃣ change and the minor drying trend or future trends. They did, however, find a clear link between El Niño and 1️⃣ below-average rainfall in the area.