Trump wants to reclaim the Panama Canal. He’d be taking on a waterway facing crisis

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🗞️ Driving the news: Former President Donald Trump has called for the U.S. to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, falsely claiming China operates it
• His remarks have been met with strong opposition from Panama’s leaders, who assert their sovereignty
• Meanwhile, the canal faces a growing crisis due to severe droughts affecting its operations.

🔭 The context: The U.S. originally built and controlled the canal until transferring it to Panama in 1999
• The waterway now handles over 3% of global trade, but declining water levels due to climate change have forced transit restrictions
• To counteract this, authorities are planning a controversial dam project that would displace thousands of residents.

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The Panama Canal’s struggles highlight the worsening impact of climate change on global infrastructure
• More frequent droughts, driven by extreme weather patterns, are straining freshwater resources vital to the canal’s operation
• Disruptions in the canal could have significant consequences for global supply chains and emissions from rerouted shipping

⏭️ What's next: Trump’s threats may be more about negotiating lower tolls than actual military action, but they have unsettled Panama
• The proposed dam project is facing local resistance, raising concerns over displacement and environmental consequences
• Experts warn that even with new water sources, better management and conservation are essential for the canal’s long-term viability

💬 One quote: "Panamanian sovereignty over the canal is clear. There is no discussion on this issue." — Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino

📈 One stat: The canal’s daily transits have been cut from 36 to 24 due to drought, disrupting global trade.

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