ROSARIO: The Parana River, one of the main commercial waterways in South America, has reached its lowest level in nearly 80 years due to a prolonged drought in Brazil that scientists attribute to climate change.

At peril is a vast ecosystem that includes potable water for 40 million people, the livelihood of fishing communities and farmers, and the navigability of a major grain export hub.

The National Water Institute of Argentina has defined the low water level of the Parana River, which goes through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, as the worst since 1944.

This natural asset is clearly giving us signs that its not infinite, said environmentalist Jorge Bartoli, coordinator of the organization El Parana No Se Toca (Parana Should Remain Untouched).

The low water level is due to a record drought in Brazil, where the river begins.

The midwestern and southern regions of Brazil are in a big water crisis. Water reservoirs, including the giant Itaipu dam, are at their lowest levels in many years and Brazilian authorities have issued an emergency alert for five states: Minas Gerais, Gois, Mato Grosso do Sul, So Paulo and Parana.

Reduced water levels are part of a natural cycle, but specialists warn that the scenario is more extreme because of climate change.

These climate changes that were less frequent before are becoming more frequent, said Brazilian climatologist Jos Marengo.

Environmentalists say deforestation is contributing to the problem.

The Parana waterway and its aquifers supply fresh water to some 40 million people in countries including Brazil and Argentina.

In turn, it receives water from the Paraguay River, which has among its main sources the Pantanal area, a huge wetland located in the Mato Grosso region of southern Brazil.

The drought of the river is impacting the transport of goods.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2021