Drought leaves Amazon basin rivers at all-time low
Record low water levels in the Amazon basin are due to severe drought linked to climate change, affecting local communities and complicating President Lula's 2030 deforestation halt commitment.
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Water levels in the Amazon basin have reached record lows due to an ongoing drought, as reported by the Brazilian Geological Service (SGB). The Madeira River, a significant tributary, has dropped to just 48 cm in Porto Velho, compared to an average of 3.32 m for this time of year. The Solimões River has also recorded its lowest levels in Tabatinga. The Brazilian natural disaster monitoring agency, Cemaden, has labeled this drought as the most intense and widespread in its history, occurring early in the dry season, which typically lasts from June to November. This prolonged drought is exacerbated by climate change, which has altered rainfall patterns and increased evaporation rates. The Amazon basin is experiencing its worst drought in at least 45 years, significantly influenced by climate change and the recent El Niño weather pattern. Deforestation, which has seen about 20% of the rainforest lost over the past 50 years, further aggravates the situation by reducing the ecosystem's ability to retain moisture. Local communities are severely affected, struggling to transport essential supplies due to low water levels, with reports of over 100 municipalities lacking rain for more than 150 days. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has committed to halting deforestation by 2030, but the current drought poses significant challenges to this goal.
- Amazon basin rivers are at record low water levels due to severe drought.
- The drought is linked to climate change and has worsened early in the dry season.
- Deforestation has reduced the rainforest's resilience against drought.
- Local communities are facing difficulties in accessing food and water supplies.
- President Lula has pledged to stop deforestation by 2030 amidst ongoing challenges.
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