Drought stops world's largest man-made lake from producing electricity

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🗞️ Driving the news: Zambia is experiencing its worst-ever blackouts as severe drought, worsened by the El Niño weather pattern and global warming, has left the Kariba Dam unable to generate sufficient electricity
• With only one of six turbines running, Zambia is facing power cuts for hours or even days at a time, severely impacting businesses and daily life
• The drought has also decimated agricultural crops, leading the government to declare a state of emergency

🔭 The context: Kariba Dam supplies over 80% of Zambia’s electricity, but low water levels due to prolonged drought have slashed power output to just 10% of normal capacity
• Zambia, like many African nations, relies heavily on hydroelectric power, which experts warn is becoming unsustainable due to increasing extreme weather events

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Zambia's crisis highlights the vulnerability of overreliance on hydroelectric power in the face of climate change
• African nations, which contribute the least to global warming, are bearing the brunt of its consequences, further complicating efforts to fight poverty and secure sustainable energy

⏭️ What's next: While Zambia is urging the adoption of solar energy, high costs hinder widespread use, and the government is temporarily turning to diesel generators and coal-fired stations to fill the energy gap
• The upcoming rainy season could offer relief, but experts warn that waiting for rain is not a reliable long-term solution

💬 One quote: “This drought has devastating consequences... risking our national food security and the livelihoods of millions” – Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema

📈 One stat: Over 80% of Zambia's electricity comes from hydroelectric power, leaving the country vulnerable to climate-induced droughts

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