20-August-2024-Editorial

WHY CLIMATE CHANGE POSES AN EXISTENTIAL THREAT TO PANAMA CANAL

The Panama Canal is a crucial global shipping route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. However, it is facing significant challenges due to prolonged drought conditions, intensified by climate change.

This has led to reduced water levels in Lake Gatun, impacting the canal’s operations and raising concerns about its long-term sustainability.

Effects of  Climate Change on the Panama Canal

Drought and Reduced Passage of Ships:

• Prolonged Drought: The canal has been experiencing a severe drought since early 2023, with rainfall in October 2023 being 43% below average.
• Ship Traffic Decline: In December 2023, the number of ships passing through the canal fell to about 22 per day, compared to the usual 36 to 38 ships. This decrease is due to low water levels in Lake Gatun, which is essential for the canal’s operations.

Restriction on Size of Ships:

• Size Limitations: Lower water levels limit the size of ships that can traverse the canal. Larger vessels risk running aground in shallower water, and they require more water to be lifted in the canal’s locks.
• Operational Constraints: The restrictions affect the type and size of ships that can use the canal, potentially disrupting shipping schedules and operations.

Effect on Global Trade:

• Economic Impact: The Panama Canal handles 5% of global shipping, making disruptions significant for the international supply chain. Delays in shipments lead to increased fuel consumption and economic losses.
• Alternative Routes: Ships are forced to take longer routes around South America, increasing travel time and costs.

About the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is an artificial waterway stretching 82 kilometers across Panama, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

• Historical Significance: It was officially opened on August 15, 1914, and saves approximately 12,600 kilometers on a journey between New York and San Francisco.

Functioning of the Panama Canal:

• Engineering System: The canal uses a sophisticated system of locks and elevators to manage the elevation difference between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The Pacific Ocean is slightly higher than the Atlantic.
• Lock Mechanism: Ships entering from the Atlantic must be lifted through a series of locks to reach the Pacific. The locks act as water elevators, either flooding to raise or draining to lower the vessels.
• Infrastructure: The canal features a total of 12 locks, supported by artificial lakes and channels to facilitate vessel movement.

Isthmus of Panama:

• Definition: An isthmus is a narrow land strip connecting two larger landmasses and separating two bodies of water.
• Geological Formation: The Isthmus of Panama formed from tectonic activity that raised the seafloor between the Caribbean and North and South American Plates. It connects North and South America and divides the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Other Important Canals Around the World

Suez Canal:

• Location: Connects the Gulf of Suez with the Mediterranean Sea, running between Port Said in the north and Suez in the south.
• Significance: Separates Asia from Africa and provides the shortest maritime route between Europe and the Indian Ocean/Western Pacific regions.

Kiel Canal:

• Location: Links the Baltic Sea with the North Sea.
• History: Opened in 1895, the 98 km-long Kiel Canal allows vessels to bypass the longer route around Denmark’s Jutland Peninsula.

Corinth Canal:

• Location: Connects the Corinthian Gulf (Ionian Sea) with the Saronic Gulf (Aegean Sea) in Greece.
• Feature: Known as the world’s narrowest canal, facilitating shorter maritime travel between these two bodies of water.

Kra Isthmus Canal (Thai Canal):

• Proposal: Planned to connect the Andaman Sea with the Gulf of Thailand across the Kra Isthmus in southern Thailand.
• Purpose: Would provide a shortcut for maritime routes between India and China, bypassing the Strait of Malacca.

Great Lakes Seaway Navigation System:

• Location: Spans the five Great Lakes, their connecting channels, and the St. Lawrence River in the United States.
• Significance: Forms one of the longest navigation systems globally, flowing from west to east into the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence River.

Conclusion

The Panama Canal’s challenges due to climate change highlight the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to environmental shifts. Addressing these issues through sustainable practices and enhanced management will be essential for maintaining the canal’s role in global trade and economic stability.