Part 4/11:
Fast forward to today, the Panama Canal faces a myriad of challenges, from climate change to crumbling infrastructure. Over a century after its inception, pressures have begun to show on the locks and the surrounding systems, which were not designed to withstand the modern demands of ever-increasing global shipping traffic. Heavy rainfalls have caused severe flooding, leading to extensive maintenance issues, and many experts argue the aging infrastructure cannot cope with contemporary shipping needs, indicating neglect over the years.