Part 3/9:
Climate Change Meets Aging Infrastructure
The environmental issues affecting the Canal paint a dire picture. The historic Gaton Lake, crucial for the Canal's operations, is experiencing alarming drops in water levels due to prolonged droughts. This climatic alteration has resulted in increased evaporation rates, leading to ever-stricter operational restrictions.
But it is not just climate change at play; the structure of the Canal itself is aging. The locks, once marvels of engineering, struggle to accommodate the massive vessels that dominate global trade today. Musk's concerns stem from these challenges, asserting that the Canal may not be able to adapt to the evolving needs of modern shipping.