AMIGOS IAS Current Affairs (16^th August 2024)

Tackling Traffic-Induced Air Pollution

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Air Pollution

Why is it in the news?

• India, home to 83 of the world’s 100 most polluted cities, faces a severe air pollution crisis. According to the International Energy Associates, road transport accounts for 12% of India’s CO2 emissions.
• Heavy vehicles, in particular, are major contributors to particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which have significant health impacts.
• PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, while NOx contributes to ground-level ozone formation, exacerbating urban air pollution and heat.

More about the new:

• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has developed draft Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) norms to address this issue.
• The upcoming CAFE III (2027-2032) and CAFE IV (2032-2037) norms will implement stricter emissions targets based on the World Light Duty Vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP), which provides a more accurate measure of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to the Modified India Driving Cycle (MIDC).
• The targets set for CAFE III and CAFE IV are ambitious but crucial for driving innovation in cleaner technologies. However, these norms currently exclude heavy vehicles, which remain a significant source of emissions.
• The Indian government introduced a vehicular scrappage policy in 2022 to phase out older, more polluting vehicles.
• This policy requires passenger vehicles over 20 years old and commercial vehicles over 15 years old to pass fitness and emissions tests. Vehicles that fail are categorized as end-of-life and recommended for scrapping.
• However, the policy has faced implementation challenges in states like Karnataka, where there are only two scrapyards for the entire state, and in Maharashtra, where incentives such as road tax discounts have not yet led to significant reductions in pollution.

Issues Affecting Vehicle Scrapping Policy Implementation in States like Karnataka and Maharashtra:

• Limited Scrapping Facilities: The availability of registered vehicle scrapping facilities is inadequate, with Karnataka having only two facilities that cannot manage the high volume of vehicles needing scrapping.
• Low Voluntary Participation: The policy’s reliance on voluntary compliance has led to insufficient engagement, with many older, polluting vehicles remaining on the roads, as targets of approximately 20 lakh vehicles are unmet.
• Insufficient Public Awareness and Incentives: Public awareness of the benefits of vehicle scrapping is low, and the incentives offered, such as tax relief, are inadequate to drive widespread participation.
• Bureaucratic Inefficiencies: Implementation has been hampered by bureaucratic delays and inconsistencies, particularly in Maharashtra, where incentives for scrapping vehicles have had limited effect due to slow processes and weak enforcement.

Strategies to Accelerate Air Pollution Control in India:

• Air Quality Bonds: Mandate industries and major polluters to purchase Air Quality Bonds, with funds used for pollution control, public awareness, and clean technology subsidies; non-compliance results in penalties or bond forfeiture.
• Biochar Brigade: Empower rural communities, especially women’s self-help groups, to produce and use biochar to improve soil fertility, sequester carbon, and reduce reliance on polluting firewood.
• Increasing Urban Forest Canopy Cover: Launch a national competition to increase urban forest canopy cover, with cities winning grants for significant green space expansions, inspired by Curitiba’s (Brazil) innovative green planning.
• Air Quality-Based Tolling: Implement dynamic toll pricing based on real-time air quality data to manage traffic flow and reduce emissions, with revenue used for public transport improvements and clean air initiatives, similar to Stockholm’s congestion pricing model.
• To further combat air pollution, existing policies such as regular vehicle emissions testing, banning open garbage burning, and monitoring industrial emissions must be strictly enforced.
• Additionally, enhancing the mass transit infrastructure is crucial for reducing reliance on private vehicles and mitigating air pollution.
• Hence, effective implementation of these measures and policies is essential for achieving substantial improvements in air quality across India.

Additional Information:

Key Government Initiatives for Controlling Air Pollution

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched as a comprehensive, long-term initiative to reduce air pollution, aiming for up to 40% reduction in PM10 levels by 2025-2026 compared to 2017-18 baseline.
• System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) Portal: Provides real-time air quality and weather forecasting data to enhance public awareness and decision-making.
• New Commission for Air Quality Management: Established for the National Capital Region and surrounding areas to improve coordination, research, and resolution of air quality issues.
• Graded Response Action Plan (for Delhi): An emergency response framework to prevent further air quality deterioration when pollution levels reach critical thresholds in the Delhi-NCR region.
• Vehicular Pollution Reduction Initiatives: Includes BS-VI vehicle standards, the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, and the SATAT initiative to promote Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) production for automotive fuels.
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): India’s updated NDCs include reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 and achieving 50% of installed power capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030.
• Actions by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): Includes the National Air Quality Index (AQI) for public dissemination, a network of 1447 air quality monitoring stations, and a Central Control Room for real-time tracking and forecasting of air quality data.

Supreme Court Ruling: In M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India, the Supreme Court recognized the right to a pollution-free environment as part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

UPSC Civil Services PYQ’s

Prelims:

Q. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index? (2016)

1. Carbon dioxide

2. Carbon monoxide

3. Nitrogen dioxide

4. Sulfur dioxide

5. Methane

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: B

Mains:

Q. Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve revised standards? (2021)

Q. Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Megacities of the country but air pollution is a much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? (2015)

Promises made by newly sworn-in Prime Ministers on I-Day

GS 2: Polity and Governance: PM’s Vision

About the news

• On August 15, 1947, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru addressed the Constituent Assembly with a profound declaration: “At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.”
• He emphasized the need for dedication to the service of India and humanity at this historic moment.
• In his inaugural Independence Day speech as Prime Minister, Nehru pledged to combat poverty, ignorance, and disease, aiming to build a prosperous, democratic, and progressive nation. He also promised to establish social, economic, and political institutions to ensure justice and a full life for all citizens.
• Since Nehru, each Prime Minister has outlined their vision for India in their Independence Day addresses.

Jawaharlal Nehru (1947-1962):

• In his inaugural Independence Day speech on August 15, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru pledged to end poverty, ignorance, and disease, aiming to build a prosperous, democratic, and progressive nation.
• During his second term in 1952, Nehru promised to uplift the poor and tackle food shortages across several states. By 1957, he emphasized economic emancipation and maintaining peace with Pakistan while advocating for a neutral stance in the Cold War.
• In his final term in 1962, Nehru urged national unity amid border tensions, aimed to reduce wealth disparity, and sought to create a socialist society free from caste discrimination.

Lal Bahadur Shastri (1965):

• During the 1965 Independence Day speech amid the Kashmir conflict, Lal Bahadur Shastri assured that Pakistan would not be allowed to annex any part of Kashmir and demanded its withdrawal from Kutch.
• He vowed to reduce dependency on imported machinery and unveiled the Fourth Five-Year Plan, focusing on increasing rice and wheat production, and gradually taking over food grain procurement and distribution to promote self-reliance.

Indira Gandhi (1967, 1971, 1980):

• In her 1967 speech, Indira Gandhi introduced the three-language formula in education and urged citizens to limit consumer goods purchases to control rising prices.
• During the 1971 speech, amidst the Bangladesh Liberation War, she supported the incoming refugees, pledged support for Bangladesh’s freedom, and addressed wealth redistribution.
• Her 1980 address condemned the Moradabad carnage, emphasized rooting out corruption, and called for cooperation from manufacturers and citizens to address price rises and production issues.

Morarji Desai (1977):

• Morarji Desai, the first non-Congress Prime Minister, pledged to eradicate untouchability within five years, stabilize prices, boost production, and focus on rural development to achieve self-reliance in ten years. He also committed to increasing employment opportunities.

Charan Singh (1979):

• Charan Singh’s brief term in 1979 included a warning to Pakistan about reconsidering its nuclear options, promises to combat corruption, support small-scale industries, and secure better crop prices for farmers.

Rajiv Gandhi (1985):

• Rajiv Gandhi, who won a historic mandate in 1985, highlighted the signing of the Assam Accords to address regional issues and the Rajiv-Longowal Accord for Punjab.
• He promised to address corruption with the Lok Pal Bill, support Sri Lanka’s Tamil issue resolution, and continue India’s non-aligned policy while fostering self-reliance and modern technology use.

V.P. Singh (1990):

• V.P. Singh declared the 1990s as the ‘Kisan decade,’ focusing on agriculture as a priority. He acknowledged issues like the Ram Janmabhoomi/Babri Masjid dispute, price rises, and insurgency in Punjab.
• Singh supported the reservation of 27% for Other Backward Classes, questioned further reservation in legislatures, and promised a national agriculture policy.

P.V. Narasimha Rao (1991):

• In 1991, P.V. Narasimha Rao urged farmers to contribute to India’s export drive and invited NRIs to invest in the country.
• He addressed the economic crisis, promised protection for minorities, and emphasized rapid industrialization to address poverty and employment issues.
• Rao also promised to provide drinking water to 80,000 villages and maintain a non-aligned foreign policy.

H.D. Deve Gowda (1996):

• H.D. Deve Gowda, in 1996, promised to extend the Public Distribution System (PDS) to provide rice and wheat to poor families at subsidized rates.
• He affirmed India’s territorial integrity, announced the formation of Uttarakhand, and pledged to continue defense programs and develop a national water management policy.

I.K. Gujral (1997):

• I.K. Gujral’s 1997 speech included promises to combat corruption, support women’s education, and revamp public sector units.
• He advocated for a national consensus on reservations and emphasized the need for peace and economic prosperity in neighbouring countries, while ensuring India’s territorial integrity and rejecting the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1998):

• Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 1998 address reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace with neighbours following the Pokhran-II nuclear tests.
• He announced various schemes, including crop insurance extension, increased funding for districts, job creation, and education for girls.
• He also reiterated India’s moratorium on nuclear tests and launched a new satellite, INSAT-3B.

Manmohan Singh (2004, 2009):

• In 2004, Manmohan Singh’s speech focused on implementing state policies and programs, reflecting on previous promises.
• In 2009, he announced the postponement of loan repayments for farmers, increased allocations for minority development, and aimed to restore GDP growth to 9%.

Narendra Modi (2014, 2019, 2024):

• Narendra Modi’s first Independence Day speech in 2014 promised inclusive and sustainable growth, replacing the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog, and making India a manufacturing hub.
• In 2019, he announced the appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff, the Jal Jeevan Mission for water supply, a ban on single-use plastics, and infrastructure investments.
• His 2024 speech emphasized implementing a Uniform Civil Code, improving medical education, boosting semiconductor manufacturing, and urged for simultaneous elections and increased political participation by the youth.
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Why did Japan’s Prime Minister step down?

GS 2: International Relations: Japan’s political crisis

About the news

• On August 14, 2024, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), ending his premiership earlier than expected.
• Kishida has faced persistent challenges since taking office in October 2021, including severe approval ratings and scandals involving his party.
• Revelations of links to the Korean-based Unification Church, following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July 2022, and a political fundraising scandal uncovered last November further plagued his tenure.
• Kishida’s attempts to address these issues, such as dissolving his own faction and pressuring others to do the same, were not enough to restore his political standing. 
• Despite dissolving his powerful faction and facing a series of setbacks, Kishida had vowed to push forward with anti-corruption measures and political reforms.
• The LDP passed a bill in June aimed at reforming political funds control, but it was criticized as inadequate by the opposition. Additionally, the resignation of the chief of the Maritime Self-Defence Force over mishandled national security information compounded the difficulties for Kishida’s government.
• A recent poll revealed that 74% of respondents did not want Kishida to continue as party leader, indicating his waning support among LDP Diet members. His public unpopularity made it improbable for him to secure majority backing in the upcoming leadership election.
• Despite this, Kishida maintained a strong foreign policy presence, attending key international meetings and hosting significant events in Japan. However, his recent cancellation of a planned Central Asia tour following a major earthquake in Japan underscored the ongoing challenges.
• With Kishida stepping down, potential successors are already positioning themselves for the leadership election. Shigeru Ishiba, a former defense minister, is a prominent contender, supported by Kishida’s predecessor, Yoshihide Suga.
• Other potential candidates include LDP Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi, Digital Minister Taro Kono, Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, and Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa. If Takaichi or Kamikawa were elected, Japan could see its first female prime minister.
• The next prime minister will face significant challenges, including the need to revive Japan’s sluggish economy and address social and economic strains exacerbated by a shrinking labour force.
• The recent decision by the Bank of Japan to raise interest rates has already caused stock market volatility. Although Kishida’s efforts to strengthen alliances and increase defense spending were notable, Japan’s security environment remains tense, especially with the possibility of Donald Trump winning the U.S. presidency in November.
• The LDP is still expected to retain power in the next election, given the weakness of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party.
• The new prime minister may call a snap election to capitalize on a potential honeymoon period, but rebuilding public trust amid ongoing political drama will be a formidable task.
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Digital boost to revive solar power installation scheme

GS 3: Economy: PM-KUSUM

About the news

• The ₹34,000-crore PM-KUSUM programme, aimed at enhancing solar energy infrastructure in agriculture, has faced delays and challenges since its launch.
• This initiative aims to set up 100 GW of solar power plants on farmer-owned land, install 14 lakh solar pumps, and solarize 35 lakh grid-connected agricultural pumps.
• However, as of June, only 256 MW of power plants, 3.97 lakh solar pumps, and 13,500 solarized pumps have been installed. Due to the slow progress, the government has extended the scheme’s deadline to 2026.
• Major obstacles include the unavailability of suitable land, geographical variability of solar energy, and inadequate grid infrastructure.
• While solar power in India has thrived in Gujarat and Rajasthan, where vast desert lands are ideal for utility-scale projects, finding and pooling agricultural land for solar installations remains challenging.
• According to an official at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), the organization has been working with the Rajasthan government to overcome this issue by developing a digital platform that uses drone technology to map land parcels.
• This platform aims to bridge the gap between available land and power project developers, improving project execution.
• As of now, 12.3 MW of solar capacity has been installed in Rajasthan, with plans to reach 100 MW by 2024. This digital approach is also being expanded to Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
• The platform enables real-time tracking of the scheme’s progress, allowing for prompt corrective actions and better oversight, which is critical for large-scale solar projects.
• Farmers who agree to host solar modules on their land receive rental payments from developers, with lease rates adjusted for market conditions and inflation.
• GEAPP’s digital solutions and support have contributed significantly to Rajasthan’s success in meeting its renewable energy targets. Notably, of the 256 MW of solar capacity installed nationally, nearly 200 MW are located in Rajasthan.

Additional Information:

About PM-KUSUM Scheme:

• About:
• Launched by the Indian government in 2019, the PM KUSUM initiative seeks to transform the agricultural sector through the widespread adoption of solar energy.
• By operating on a demand-driven model, it allocates solar capacities in response to requests from states and union territories, aiming to enhance sustainability and efficiency in agriculture.
• The scheme aims to add 30.8 GW of solar capacity by March 2026, with a total central financial support of Rs 34,422 crore, under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• Significance: The scheme aims to ensure energy security for Indian farmers while supporting India’s commitment to achieve 40% of installed electric power capacity from non-fossil-fuel sources by 2030, as outlined in its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
• Components: The Scheme consists of three components-
• Component-A: Setting up of 10,000 MW of Decentralized Ground/Stilt Mounted Solar Power Plants on barren/fallow/pasture/marshy/ cultivable land of farmers.
• Component-B: Installation of 20 Lakh Stand-alone Solar Pumps in off-grid areas.
• Component-C: Solarisation of 15 Lakh Grid Connected Agriculture Pumps through: Individual Pump Solarisation and Feeder Level Solarisation.
• Objectives:
• De-Dieselisation of the Farm Sector: The scheme seeks to reduce diesel dependency for irrigation by promoting solar-powered pumps and other renewable energy sources.
• Water and Energy Security for Farmers: It aims to enhance water and energy security through solar pumps and community irrigation projects.
• Curbing Environmental Pollution: The scheme strives to mitigate environmental pollution from conventional energy sources by adopting clean, renewable solar energy.
• Increased Farmer Income: By cutting irrigation costs with solar pumps and allowing surplus solar power sales to the grid, it aims to boost farmers’ income.

UPSC Civil Services PYQ

Prelims:

Q. Consider the following statements: (2016)

1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.

2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Mains

Q. India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate (2020)

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National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)

GS 3: Economy-Agriculture: Pest Control

Why is it in the news?

• The Union government has launched the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), an AI-powered initiative designed to enhance pest management for farmers.

More about the news

What is the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)?

• Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled the system, which aims to reduce farmers’ reliance on pesticide retailers and promote a scientific approach to pest control.
• The NPSS utilizes AI tools to analyse data, helping farmers connect with agricultural experts via mobile phones to identify and manage pests effectively.
• Significance: It will mitigate crop damage, enhance pest management practices, and minimize soil damage by reducing excessive pesticide use.
• According to Chouhan, the technological advancements in agriculture should benefit farmers and increase crop yields and moreover the early detection of pest attacks through the NPSS could lead to faster and more effective control measures.
• The system is set to assist around 14 crore farmers across India by allowing them to upload photos of pest-infested crops to the platform, which will then be reviewed by scientists and experts.
• NPSS addresses the challenge of using the correct amount of pesticide at the right time, thereby reducing excessive use and aiding in accurate disease management.
• The technology, which has undergone successful pilot tests, will be distributed to states for broader implementation through existing outreach programs.

Maharashtra govt. to roll out ₹1,500 monthly aid for over 1 crore women

GS 1: Society: Schemes related to Women empowerment

About the news

• The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is set to launch the ‘Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin’ scheme on August 17, providing ₹1,500 monthly aid to over one crore women.
• Announced by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the scheme will begin with an initial payment of ₹3,000 to cover July and August, ahead of the Raksha Bandhan festival.
• The scheme, inspired by Madhya Pradesh’s ‘Ladli Behna Yojana,’ targets underprivileged women aged 21 to 65 with an annual family income under ₹2.5 lakh. It will cost the state approximately ₹46,000 crore annually.

Dengue control: the unrealised promise of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes

GS 3: Science and Technology: Tackling Dengue

Why is it in the news?

• Dengue, a significant health threat in India, imposes substantial economic costs, estimated at ₹28,300 crore annually, and results in 5.68 lakh years of young life lost each year.
• Traditional vector control methods, such as insecticides and community education, have had limited success. Despite ongoing research into vaccines and antiviral agents, effective solutions remain elusive.
• Biological vector control using Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes presents a promising alternative but has seen mixed results.

More about the news

• Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacterium in many insects, has shown potential in controlling mosquito-borne diseases. Researchers found that Wolbachia can provide viral resistance and reduce mosquito lifespans.
• Trials using Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, such as the wMel strain, have shown success in countries like Singapore and Australia.
• These trials demonstrated that releasing infected mosquitoes can significantly reduce dengue cases and hospitalizations.
• In Indonesia, a landmark randomized controlled trial in 2021 showed a 77% reduction in dengue incidence and an 86% decrease in hospitalizations in areas where wMel mosquitoes were released.
• However, long-term impacts remain uncertain. Wolbachia occurs naturally in many insect species and does not infect humans or animals, making it a viable, non-genetic-engineering approach to mosquito control.
• India does not yet have an active wMel mosquito release program, although the Indian Council of Medical Research—Vector Control Research Center (ICMR-VCRC) has developed wMel Aedes strains and is seeking government approvals.
• Given the success of wMel trials abroad and its potential to reduce the burden of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, India should consider implementing this innovative vector control strategy.
• Effective public messaging and learning from international experiences will be crucial for successful deployment.

Additional Information:

About Dengue:

• Dengue is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus (Genus Flavivirus) and transmitted primarily by the female Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also transmits chikungunya and Zika infections.
• Serotypes:
• Types: There are four distinct but closely related serotypes of the dengue virus: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4.
• Symptoms: Sudden high fever, Severe headaches, Pain behind the eyes, Severe bone, joint, and muscle pain
• Treatment – Dengue Vaccine:
• Dengvaxia: The first dengue vaccine, CYD-TDV or Dengvaxia, was approved by the US FDA in 2019. It is a live, attenuated virus vaccine.
• Recommended for individuals aged 9 to 16 who have had a previous dengue infection and live in endemic areas.
• India’s DNA Vaccine Candidate: Developed by India’s National Centre for Biological Sciences and collaborators, this is India’s first DNA vaccine candidate for dengue fever. Preliminary trials on mice showed a robust immune response and improved survival rates after exposure.
• Controlling Dengue:
• The Wolbachia method involves introducing Aedes aegypti mosquitoes with the Wolbachia bacterium in the lab, releasing them into the wild, where they breed with wild mosquitoes, resulting in a growing percentage of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, which makes it harder for viruses to reproduce and reduces the likelihood of virus transmission to humans.

                 Fig: How Does the Wolbachia Method Work?

UPSC Civil Services Prelims PYQ

Q. Wolbachia method is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following? (2023)

(a) Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes

(b) Converting crop residues into packing material

(c) Producing biodegradable plastics

(d) Producing biochar from thermochemical conversion of biomass

Answer: A

Q. Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing? (2013)

1. Chikungunya

2. Hepatitis B

3. HIV-AIDS

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Existential threat to Panama Canal

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Impact of Climate change

Why is it in the news?

• The Panama Canal, a vital 82-km shipping route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, faces an existential threat due to climate change.

More about the news

• Opened on August 15, 1914, the canal is a marvel of engineering that significantly reduces travel distance for ships, saving about 12,600 km on journeys between major ports.
• However, the canal’s operation has recently been jeopardized by reduced water levels in Lake Gatun, a key reservoir, caused by prolonged droughts.
• The Panama Canal’s lock system, essential for elevating and lowering ships to accommodate differing ocean levels, relies heavily on fresh water.
• Each ship passage uses over 50 million gallons (nearly 200 million litres) of water, which is about two-and-a-half times the daily consumption of New York City’s 8 million residents.
• Last year’s drought drastically cut traffic and forced ships to carry less cargo, with the alternative—using ocean water—compromising the reservoir’s salinity and affecting the drinking water for more than half of Panama’s population.
• Climate change has exacerbated these issues by increasing the frequency of extreme rainfall deficits. Historically rare, such deficits are now occurring more frequently, as noted by climate experts.
• For instance, the recent droughts are unprecedented in the last century of data, suggesting a shift in rainfall patterns driven by global warming.
• In response, the Panama Canal authorities propose constructing a $1.6 billion dam on the Rio Indio to secure an additional water source. This plan, recently approved by Panama’s Supreme Court after lifting a legal restriction, aims to address the water shortage for the next 50 years.
• However, it faces opposition due to its potential social impact. The dam’s reservoir would flood the homes of 2,000 low-income residents, displacing them and destroying their lands and livelihoods.
• Hence, the canal’s future depends on balancing effective climate adaptation strategies with the social and environmental costs of proposed solutions.

Additional Information:

About the Panama Canal:

• The Panama Canal is an 82 km artificial waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, bypassing the hazardous route around Cape Horn.
• It divides North and South America, and functions by lifting ships through locks to Gatun Lake and then lowering them.
• Panama itself forms an isthmus (a narrow land strip connecting two larger landmasses) between North and South America.
• Initially started by the French in the late 1800s, the United States completed and managed the canal until 1999, when control passed to Panama.
• The canal is currently operated by the Panama Canal Authority.