Digna Benite, a resident of Limon de Chagres in Panama, reflects on the deep connection her village has with the Rio Indio, which is vital for their community and way of life. The Panama Canal Board has approved a new dam to address a severe water shortage exacerbated by a drought related to El Nino, which drastically reduced canal traffic. This project would displace thousands, as signaled by local opposition. Climate experts note the complexities of linking El Nino specifically to climate change, yet acknowledge emerging peculiar weather patterns.
"This river is my whole life," Benite, 60, says through a translator, referring to the Rio Indio, which is crucial for her community's existence and livelihoods.
John Langman, vice president of water projects at the Panama Canal Authority, emphasized that the new dam project aims to "meet the needs for the next 50-year horizon" amid water shortages.
Scientists like Steve Paton mention a lack of clear evidence linking El Nino droughts to climate change but observe "some strange weather patterns are emerging" in the region.
With the looming construction of the dam, residents express their distress over displacement, as seen in the signs stating, 'No to the reservoir,' highlighting community sentiment against the project.
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