I understand how the Panama Canal was an engineering marvel of the 20th century and how vital it is to the world economy along with the Suez Canal. With the current crisis it’s facing now of droughts, climate change, and less water volume each year to replenish it’s artificial lakes for raising and lowering the ships, what would be a good solution moving forward?
Also, what would be the ramifications, if say, we somehow converted the canal “permanent”, as in either blow up or excavate the canal enough so it would meet sea level, like a fjord I guess? Essentially dividong Panama in half lol
In: Engineering
Most of the solutions to the problem either involve collecting more water by connecting other reservoirs or building new reservoirs entirely. The problem is the sheer amount of water needed. I personally support a plan to add water pumps powered by solar or wind to reduce the water needed but that would have huge costs and would be complex due to the separation needed between salt and freshwater.
Other solutions that essentially bypass Panama are in the works but the us supports the Panama government so we want a solution that benefits them for diplomatic reasons.
Trenching a full canal would be nearly impossible. First it would likely require closing the canal for decades. Plus it is complicated due to the fact that it is east west which could cause currents throughout the day as tides move. I think it may be possible to deepen it so water levels aren’t as high of an impact though.
I have a few you have already seen the [Real Life Lore](https://youtu.be/glR7lvtrGRI?si=cmIzgkTRmK5dFtq0) video but if you haven’t you should.
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