PANAMA CANAL

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Context

The Panama Canal and the challenges it is facing due to a prolonged drought and the impact of climate change.

Details

• The Panama Canal is one of the world's busiest trade passages, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
• The canal authority faces challenges due to a prolonged drought and the impact of climate change.

Extended Restrictions and Limited Crossings

• The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) extends restrictions on ships' maximum depth and limits average crossings to 32 ships per day.
• The ACP maintains a depth limit of 44 feet for neo-Panamax container ships and postpones further restrictions that would have increased depth limits.
• During the rainy season, an average of 35-36 ships typically cross the canal each day, using 51 million gallons of water.

Significance of the Panama Canal

• Approximately 5% of the world's maritime trade passes through the 80-kilometer inter-oceanic waterway.

Impact of Prolonged Drought and Climate Change

• The canal authority faces an extended dry season with high evaporation rates and historically unprecedented lack of precipitation.
• Weather conditions and the potential El Nino condition may influence the depth limit in the future.
• The canal has implemented water-efficiency measures in response to climate change.

Outlook and Long-Term Planning

• The depth limit will remain at the current level as long as weather conditions do not drastically change.
• The ACP prepares for the long-term effects of climate change on the canal's operations.

About Panama Canal

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• The Panama Canal is an artificial waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean.
• The canal is 82 kilometers (51 miles) long and cuts across the Isthmus of Panama.
• The canal was built by the United States between 1904 and 1914.
• The canal is a vital economic asset for Panama and a major tourist attraction.

History

• The idea of a canal across the Isthmus of Panama was first proposed in the 16th century.
• Several attempts were made to build a canal in the 19th century, but they were all unsuccessful.
• The United States began construction of the Panama Canal in 1904.
• The canal was officially opened on August 15, 1914.

Construction

• The construction of the Panama Canal was a massive undertaking.
• Over 25,000 workers died during the construction of the canal.
• The canal was built using a system of locks, which raise and lower ships as they pass through the canal.

Operation

• The Panama Canal is operated by the Panama Canal Authority.
• The canal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• The canal can accommodate ships up to 120,000 deadweight tons.

Economic Importance

• The Panama Canal is a vital economic asset for Panama.
• The canal generates billions of dollars in revenue each year.

Tourism

• The Panama Canal is a major tourist attraction.
• Millions of people visit the canal each year.
• The canal offers a variety of tours and activities.

Future

• The Panama Canal is expected to continue to be a vital economic asset for Panama.
• The canal is undergoing a major expansion project, which will allow larger ships to transit the canal.
• The Panama Canal is a marvel of engineering and a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the people who built it.

https://theprint.in/environment/drought-hit-panama-canal-restricts-daily-crossings-in-water-saving-move/1686133/