Skip to main content

Since 2023, the Amazon River has been affected by a severe drought. The consequences of the crisis are far-reaching, affecting local economies and resources.

In Colombia, the depleted river has isolated some rural Indigenous communities which depend on rain and river water to survive, especially for food, drinking water, and navigation. In particular, the lower river levels have impacted nearby communities’ ability to fish and travel to Leticia to sell crops.

Amazon River. Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery

This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image acquired on 25 October 2024 shows the exposed riverbeds of the Amazon River near the cities of Leticia, Colombia, Tabatinga, Brazil, and Santa Rosa de Yavari, Peru.

The ongoing drought and its widespread impacts in affected countries can be monitored with open data from the Copernicus Sentinel satellites, which provide key information for mapping bodies of water and supporting response operations.

Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery

Climate Science Digest: November 6, 2024
Climate Science Digest: November 6, 2024News

Climate Science Digest: November 6, 2024

Power grids with high renewable penetration show reduced blackout intensity Professor Jin Zhao Credit: Professor Jin Zhao | Trinity College Dublin A study published in…
Muser NewsDeskMuser NewsDeskNovember 6, 2024 Full article
Hurricane Rafael makes landfall in western Cuba: US Hurricane Center
Hurricane Rafael makes landfall in western Cuba: US Hurricane CenterNews

Hurricane Rafael makes landfall in western Cuba: US Hurricane Center

Havana, Cuba | AFP - Hurricane Rafael made landfall in western Cuba on Wednesday, the US-based National Hurricane Center said. The major Category 3 hurricane…
SourceSourceNovember 6, 2024 Full article
Optimizing urban design to cut carbon emissions: the role of local climate zones
Optimizing urban design to cut carbon emissions: the role of local climate zonesClimateNews

Optimizing urban design to cut carbon emissions: the role of local climate zones

As urban areas expand rapidly around the world, the need for climate-conscious planning has never been greater. New research suggests that optimizing city layouts to…
Adrian AlexandreAdrian AlexandreNovember 6, 2024 Full article