A decade ago, Ecuador began a major transition to using hydroelectric power. Like in many other South American countries, the presence of abundant rivers could supply large amounts of energy and drive economic expansion and lead to a new era of prosperity.
This ambitious plan has run into the impacts of climate change. An extraordinary drought has engulfed much of South America, drying rivers and reservoirs, and has put Ecuador’s power grid on the brink of collapse.
Since September, daily energy cuts in Ecuador have lasted as long as 14 hours. An industry group says that the nation is losing $12 million in productivity and sales for every hour the power is out. Just a few years ago, Ecuador was making great strides in reducing poverty. Now, as the energy crisis has increased its grip on the country, much of what was achieved is being lost.
Ecuador’s situation is not unique. In recent years, abnormally dry weather in multiple places has resulted in extreme low water levels in rivers, reducing hydropower resources in Norway, Canada, Turkey, and even rainforest-rich Costa Rica.
Overall, more than one billion people live in countries where more than half of their energy comes from hydroelectric plants. With a warming climate and increasing incidence of extreme weather events like drought, it is likely that hydropower will become a less reliable energy source. More than a quarter of all hydroelectric dams are in places with a medium to high risk of water scarcity by 2050.
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The Rivers Run Dry and the Lights Go Out: A Warming Nation’s Doom Loop
Photo, posted January 15, 2020, courtesy of Pedro Szekely via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio
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