The Amazon, which holds one-fifth of the world’s fresh water, is entering the dry season with several rivers already at critically low levels. This situation has led governments to prepare contingency measures to address a variety of issues, including disrupted navigation and increased forest fires.
A technical note issued by the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) highlighted the severity of the drought in 2024, emphasizing the significant impacts on member countries such as Bolivia, Peru, and Brazil. Water levels in various rivers in the southwestern Amazon are currently at record lows, indicating a concerning situation.
Responding to the crisis, Brazil’s federal water agency has declared a water shortage in two major basins, Madeira and Purus, which together cover an area nearly the size of Mexico. Moreover, Acre state has declared an emergency due to an impending water shortage in its main city. These proactive measures were initiated earlier than in the previous year, demonstrating the urgency of the situation.
The low water levels in rivers like Madeira have affected navigation, leading to restrictions in nighttime travel. Furthermore, the reduced water depth poses a threat to hydroelectric plants, potentially disrupting their production. Local communities, especially those dependent on water transportation, are facing isolation and economic challenges as a result of the drought.
Farmers in the Amazon region are struggling to transport their crops to the market, leading to a significant increase in prices for commodities such as cassava flour. This, in turn, threatens food security in the area and adds to the challenges faced by local populations. Additionally, the high number of fires in the region – largely human-made – further exacerbates the situation.
Local officials have been forced to take measures such as relocating vulnerable groups to urban centers to ensure access to essential services like healthcare. The looming threat of food shortages, combined with the ongoing water supply issues in communities like Rio Branco in Acre, paints a grim picture for the region’s residents. The cyclical nature of extreme events, with severe flooding preceding the current drought, further complicates the situation.
The Amazon Basin is grappling with a severe drought in 2024, posing challenges across various sectors and impacting the lives of millions of people. Urgent action is needed to address the immediate impacts of the drought and to develop long-term strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change on this vital ecosystem.
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