Climate Change Challenges Faced by The Panama Canal

Source-This post on Climate Change Challenges Faced by The Panama Canal has been created based on the article “Why climate change poses an existential threat to Panama Canal” published in “The Indian Express” on 17 August 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment

Context -The Panama Canal, which opened on August 15, 1914, celebrates its 110th anniversary. Spanning 82 kilometers, this engineering marvel links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, offering a shortcut through Central America’s Isthmus of Panama. It shortens the trip between New York and San Francisco by about 12,600 kilometers.

The Panama Canal, a key shipping route, usually handles 36 to 38 ships daily. However, last December traffic fell to just 22 ships per day, with over 160 vessels stranded due to a severe drought that lowered Lake Gatun’s water levels.

What is the Canal’s Engineering and Functioning?

1) Canal Structure: The Panama Canal is not just a simple water channel; it is a sophisticated, highly engineered system that uses locks and elevators to transport ships efficiently.

2) Lock System Functionality: The Panama Canal uses a system of three lock sets—twelve locks in total—to manage the elevation difference between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. These locks, supported by artificial lakes and channels, act as water elevators to raise or lower ships to the necessary sea levels.

3) Lock Operation Process:

a. Ship enters the lowest chamber at sea level.
b. Gate closes behind the ship.
c. Valve between first and second chambers opens, equalizing water levels.
d. Ship moves to the next chamber.
e. Process repeats for elevation gain or loss.

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4) Water Requirements: Each ship passage through the Panama Canal requires over 50 million gallons (about 200 million liters) of water

What are the challenges faced in the functioning of Panama Canal?

1) Climate Change Impact– The frequency of extreme rainfall deficits is increasing, with three major deficits occurring in the last 26 years compared to the historical average of once every 20 years, and the 2023 water shortage was unprecedented in the past century.

2) Water Source: –The Panama Canal relies on a large amount of fresh water from Lake Gatun to operate its locks. Recent droughts have reduced Lake Gatun’s water levels, restricting ship traffic and cargo capacity. Using ocean water to make up the shortfall could increase Lake Gatun’s salinity, affecting its role as a drinking water source for over half of Panama’s 4.4 million residents.

 3) Proposed Solutions and Controversy- A proposal to dam the Rio Indio as an additional water source for the canal could help address water shortages. However, this project would displace about 2,000 people, mainly from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Question for practice

How does the Panama Canal’s engineering work and what challenges does it face in its operation?