EMILY PRICE reporting for PSUVANGUARD on JULY 22, 2019 on the Chilean drought. A drought that is the worst drought in 60 years. It has been ongoing in Chile since 2007. This is of course all according to Al Jazeera. However scientists are now saying it may be permanent.
By the year 2030, Chile’s capital, Santiago, and other regions too. All are estimated to see increased temperatures. That’s with some left without drinking water indefinitely.
So the UNFCCC reported the Chilean government has made plans to investigate. They investigate the Chilean drought with desalination plants and reservoirs. All to ensure water access to the public and farmers. No reports yet have been made on the progress.
The drought has led to a significant decrease in copper production. So higher energy prices and more occurrences of forest fires. That’s according to the UN’s Framework Convention on Climate Change. Around 70% of Chile’s population lives in drought-prone areas. Finally, many now struggle to maintain their livelihood through agriculture.
According to Al Jazeera, local farmers are struggling to produce enough goods to make a living. That’s because there is almost no usable drinking water. None for either their livestock or the farmers themselves. The farmers are then forced to sell their animals and their land. Because they cannot afford to sustain their numbers of crops and livestock
Lake Aculeo a popular getaway outside Santiago was once a 4.6 square mile lake. Even with a depth of 20 feet. The lake’s water level began to decline in 2011. That’s until it was completely drained in May 2018.
Once a busy tourist destination during hot summer months. Now Lake Aculeo’s small businesses and campsites are now suffering. Suffering from the lack of visitors, according to employees.
In conclusion, Easter Island is another region of the Chilean drought heavily affected. Also affected by climate change. The island’s wetland areas have almost completely dried up. Finally and according to Reuters, 2017 was the island’s driest year. That’s in the island’s history. In addition to the drought, the island has seen a significant increase in the size of swells. That’s what are eroding the land.
