![]() The
Arroyo Canelón Grande, the main source of water supply for
Montevideo, during the midst of the drought as shown on March 2023 | |
Date | 2022-2023 (State of agricultural emergency: October 2022 – April 2023) (State of national emergency: 20 June 2023 – 30 August 2023) |
---|---|
Location |
![]() ![]() |
Type | Water drought |
Cause | • Lack of precipitation caused by
La Niña • Rising temperatures via climate change |
The drought or water crises in Uruguay from 2022 to 2023 has been attributed to the La Niña phenomenon, [1] which was further exacerbated by the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures. [2] [3] The crises resulted in significant impacts on the local economy, and large portions of the population not having access to clean, drinkable water.
While the drought began in 2018, [4] the situation significantly deteriorated in early 2023, [5] affecting more than 60% of Uruguay's territory with extreme or severe drought conditions between October 2022 and February 2023. [6] Precipitation during this period was below average. [7] This prolonged drought led to agricultural losses exceeding $1 billion [8] and complications in the availability of drinking water. [9] By the end of January 2023, before the water crisis in the metropolitan area, the drought had already impacted 75,000 people across five departments in the country's interior. [10] [11]
To address this crisis, the national government declared a state of agricultural emergency in October 2022, extending until the end of April 2023. [12] [13] The drought resulted in reduced access to drinking water and financial losses for agricultural producers. [14] [15][ citation needed] Following a lack of reduction of water usage and a lack of projected rainfall, the national water management authority started using saltwater in municipal water supply for 60% of the population in May 2023. [16] [17] The water had twice the level of salinity recommend by WHO. [16] [17]
Uruguay has faced multiple droughts in recent years, with the most severe occurring in 2008/09 and 2018. [18] [19] In 2018 alone, these droughts resulted in estimated economic losses of $500 million in Uruguay and $3.4 billion in Argentina. [20] Furthermore, the lack of rainfall in early 2023 significantly reduced water availability and access in Uruguay, affecting over 75,000 people. [21]
To tackle these challenges, Uruguayan farmers have been investing in technology to combat droughts and minimize their impact on crop yields. [22] However, despite their efforts, agricultural production is still being affected by climate change, with dry weather conditions projected to persist until January 2023. [23] [24]
Since the early 2000s, Uruguay has been implementing policies to manage climate risks, shifting from a disaster-focused approach to a risk management approach. [25] These policies include the establishment of early warning systems for extreme weather events and the enhancement of irrigation systems for agricultural production. [26]
Fires caused by drought have been a major issue in Uruguay since 2018. [27] The lack of rainfall has significantly reduced water availability and access, affecting 20.51% of the country's territory. [28]
Uruguay is currently experiencing high temperatures and scarce rainfall during the summer season, leading to recurring fires, particularly in forests. [29] The Parliament is discussing a forestry bill that contains important measures to prevent these fires. [30]
Due to the dry season, many Argentine farmers have changed their planting strategies by postponing the sowing of seeds in anticipation of more rain. [31]
Measures were implemented in 2017 to address the country's water crisis, including the establishment of a National Water Plan. [32] This plan aims to ensure sustainable development and access to safe drinking water for all citizens. [33] In 2019, the World Bank granted loans exceeding $141 million to support the plan and improve the financial sustainability of water and sanitation services in Uruguay. [34]
In October 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (MGAP) declared a 90-day state of agricultural emergency nationwide due to drought conditions. [35]
The lack of rainfall in early 2023 significantly reduced water availability and access throughout the country. [36] This drought had severe consequences for affected communities, particularly those reliant on agriculture. [37] The government and aid organizations provided assistance to those affected by this emergency. [38]
Complicating matters further, over 60% of Uruguayan territory experienced extreme or severe drought from October 2022 to January 2023. [39] This led to calls for citizens to use water responsibly as reserves diminish. [40]
![]() The
Arroyo Canelón Grande, the main source of water supply for
Montevideo, during the midst of the drought as shown on March 2023 | |
Date | 2022-2023 (State of agricultural emergency: October 2022 – April 2023) (State of national emergency: 20 June 2023 – 30 August 2023) |
---|---|
Location |
![]() ![]() |
Type | Water drought |
Cause | • Lack of precipitation caused by
La Niña • Rising temperatures via climate change |
The drought or water crises in Uruguay from 2022 to 2023 has been attributed to the La Niña phenomenon, [1] which was further exacerbated by the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures. [2] [3] The crises resulted in significant impacts on the local economy, and large portions of the population not having access to clean, drinkable water.
While the drought began in 2018, [4] the situation significantly deteriorated in early 2023, [5] affecting more than 60% of Uruguay's territory with extreme or severe drought conditions between October 2022 and February 2023. [6] Precipitation during this period was below average. [7] This prolonged drought led to agricultural losses exceeding $1 billion [8] and complications in the availability of drinking water. [9] By the end of January 2023, before the water crisis in the metropolitan area, the drought had already impacted 75,000 people across five departments in the country's interior. [10] [11]
To address this crisis, the national government declared a state of agricultural emergency in October 2022, extending until the end of April 2023. [12] [13] The drought resulted in reduced access to drinking water and financial losses for agricultural producers. [14] [15][ citation needed] Following a lack of reduction of water usage and a lack of projected rainfall, the national water management authority started using saltwater in municipal water supply for 60% of the population in May 2023. [16] [17] The water had twice the level of salinity recommend by WHO. [16] [17]
Uruguay has faced multiple droughts in recent years, with the most severe occurring in 2008/09 and 2018. [18] [19] In 2018 alone, these droughts resulted in estimated economic losses of $500 million in Uruguay and $3.4 billion in Argentina. [20] Furthermore, the lack of rainfall in early 2023 significantly reduced water availability and access in Uruguay, affecting over 75,000 people. [21]
To tackle these challenges, Uruguayan farmers have been investing in technology to combat droughts and minimize their impact on crop yields. [22] However, despite their efforts, agricultural production is still being affected by climate change, with dry weather conditions projected to persist until January 2023. [23] [24]
Since the early 2000s, Uruguay has been implementing policies to manage climate risks, shifting from a disaster-focused approach to a risk management approach. [25] These policies include the establishment of early warning systems for extreme weather events and the enhancement of irrigation systems for agricultural production. [26]
Fires caused by drought have been a major issue in Uruguay since 2018. [27] The lack of rainfall has significantly reduced water availability and access, affecting 20.51% of the country's territory. [28]
Uruguay is currently experiencing high temperatures and scarce rainfall during the summer season, leading to recurring fires, particularly in forests. [29] The Parliament is discussing a forestry bill that contains important measures to prevent these fires. [30]
Due to the dry season, many Argentine farmers have changed their planting strategies by postponing the sowing of seeds in anticipation of more rain. [31]
Measures were implemented in 2017 to address the country's water crisis, including the establishment of a National Water Plan. [32] This plan aims to ensure sustainable development and access to safe drinking water for all citizens. [33] In 2019, the World Bank granted loans exceeding $141 million to support the plan and improve the financial sustainability of water and sanitation services in Uruguay. [34]
In October 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (MGAP) declared a 90-day state of agricultural emergency nationwide due to drought conditions. [35]
The lack of rainfall in early 2023 significantly reduced water availability and access throughout the country. [36] This drought had severe consequences for affected communities, particularly those reliant on agriculture. [37] The government and aid organizations provided assistance to those affected by this emergency. [38]
Complicating matters further, over 60% of Uruguayan territory experienced extreme or severe drought from October 2022 to January 2023. [39] This led to calls for citizens to use water responsibly as reserves diminish. [40]