Panama Canal may face frequent extreme water lows in coming decades

A recent study indicates that historic droughts could become commonplace for Gatún Lake, threatening the Panama Canal's operations due to severe water shortages.

In 2023, Panama faced one of its worst droughts on record, leading to a significant reduction in water levels for the Panama Canal.
Gatún Lake, the primary freshwater source for the Canal's locks, is projected to experience frequent extreme water lows, impacting global shipping routes.
Research links increased greenhouse gas emissions to heightened evaporation rates, exacerbating the drought conditions that threaten the Canal's functionality.

Why It Matters

The Panama Canal is vital for international trade, and its potential operational disruptions due to drought could have far-reaching economic consequences, affecting shipping costs and global supply chains.