El Niño phenomenon threatens water and energy security in Latin America

The El Niño phenomenon is projected to reach very strong intensity between late 2026 and early 2027, posing significant risks to public health, water supplies, and energy security across Latin America.

In Colombia, the government is preparing for potential rainfall reductions of up to 58%. While Bogotá's mayor, Carlos Fernando Galán, stated that current water reserves like the Chingaza system are sufficient to avoid rationing, authorities are calling for conservation. Meanwhile, the Colombian Caribbean is facing red alerts due to extreme heat and humidity, leading to increased medical consultations for heat-related illnesses.

In Venezuela, meteorological models predict air temperatures could rise 2°C to 3.5°C above historical averages, threatening agricultural production and energy generation. In Panama, artisanal fishermen are struggling with declining fish species and rising fuel costs due to warming waters.

Economically, the intensification of El Niño could increase logistics costs for Latin American companies by up to 15% due to potential bottlenecks in transport, water, and energy supplies.