Is world's largest river dying? Here is what drying up of Amazon river means for you

The carcass of a baby dolphin was found on the sandbank of an Amazon lake, which has been drying up due to the worst drought on record. Researchers retrieved the body on Wednesday and noted rising water temperatures as the lake's levels drop. Last year, over 200 endangered freshwater dolphins perished in Lake Tefé due to extreme water temperatures.

Miriam Marmontel, head of the dolphin project at the Mamirau Institute for Sustainable Development, stated, "We’ve discovered several dead animals, averaging one per day last week." She emphasized that while they haven't yet linked the deaths directly to water temperature changes, the proximity of human populations, particularly fishermen, to the dolphins is a growing concern.

With major river branches in the Amazon basin drying up during this critical drought, the lake connected to the Solimões River has diminished, leaving the dolphins with less space in their preferred habitat. The lake's main channel, measuring 2 meters (6.5 feet) deep and about 100 meters wide, is heavily trafficked by various boats, which has led to dolphin fatalities from collisions in shallow waters.


Fisherman Clodomar Lima remarked, "Nobody expected this drought to arrive so quickly, or that it would exceed last year’s severity."

Although dolphin deaths are not yet close to last year's numbers, the dry season still has over a month to continue, and water levels are projected to keep declining. Riverine communities across the Amazon are also feeling the impact, as transportation becomes difficult with shallow waters, leaving floating homes stranded on dry land.

Lake Tefé resident Francisco Alvaro Santos noted, "It’s the first time my floating house has been out of the water. Water is everything to us; it’s essential for our daily lives and transportation."

In response to the prolonged drought affecting Brazil’s major hydroelectric plants, energy authorities are considering reinstating daylight saving time to conserve energy. This change would need the approval of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva before it can take effect.

The drought has severely impacted Brazil’s electricity generation, forcing a shift towards energy imports and raising power bills. Despite advancements in wind and solar energy, over half of Brazil’s electricity still comes from hydropower.

Reservoir levels near key hydroelectric plants are expected to fall below 50% by the end of September due to significantly reduced rainfall. By implementing daylight saving time from November to February, Brazil could make better use of daylight and reduce peak energy demand during late afternoons when solar energy production ends.

While former President Jair Bolsonaro abolished daylight saving time in 2019, Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira stated that the national grid operator has recommended its return, and an energy committee has expressed support. However, he also mentioned the need to evaluate alternative solutions.

The potential switch has garnered support from sectors like hospitality, with local associations estimating a 10% revenue boost from increased patronage during extended daylight hours. However, adjusting flight schedules and relocating crews would add complexities and costs for airlines.