Severe Drought in the Amazon Basin Threatens Water Supply and Biodiversity Introduction

Boat pilot Paulo Monteiro da Cruz paddles through a blanket of dead fish atop Piranha Lake in Manacapuru, Brazil, as drought conditions continue. [Bruno Kelly/Reuters]

Since February 2025, the Amazon Basin has been experiencing one of the worst droughts in recorded history, severely impacting water levels in rivers, disrupting local communities, and endangering wildlife. The prolonged dry conditions, attributed to climate change and the El Niño phenomenon, have raised concerns about water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and long-term environmental damage. This report examines the causes, impacts, and responses to the crisis.

Causes of the Drought

El Niño Effects: The 2024–2025 El Niño has led to increased temperatures and decreased rainfall in South America.

Deforestation: Large-scale illegal logging and agricultural expansion have disrupted the Amazon’s water cycle, reducing the region’s ability to generate rainfall.

Climate Change: Rising global temperatures have intensified extreme weather conditions, including prolonged droughts.

Impact of the Drought

Critically Low River Levels: The Amazon River and its tributaries, such as the Rio Negro, have reached historically low water levels, affecting transportation and water supply for millions.

Disruptions to Indigenous and Local Communities: Many villages rely on river transport for food, medicine, and supplies. The drought has cut off access, causing shortages.

Mass Fish Die-Offs: Decreased oxygen levels and higher water temperatures have caused large-scale fish deaths, devastating local fisheries.

Increased Forest Fires: Dry conditions have led to a rise in wildfires, further worsening air quality and deforestation rates.

Biodiversity at Risk: Species dependent on wetland habitats, including dolphins, caimans, and migratory birds, face severe threats due to shrinking water bodies.

Government and International Response

Emergency Water Distribution: The Brazilian government has deployed naval vessels to supply clean drinking water to remote areas.

Wildlife Rescue Operations: Conservation groups are relocating stranded animals from dried-up rivers and lagoons.

International Aid: The United Nations and environmental organizations have pledged financial support for drought relief and sustainable reforestation projects.

Long-Term Solutions: Governments are pushing for stronger anti-deforestation policies and better climate adaptation strategies to prevent future droughts.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Amazon drought highlights the increasing fragility of the world’s largest rainforest due to climate change and human activities. Key recommendations include: 

Strengthening Conservation Efforts: Reducing deforestation and protecting watersheds.

Developing Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Improving water storage and irrigation systems.

Promoting Global Climate Action: Addressing the root causes of climate change to prevent worsening environmental crises.

Resources

Reuters - Amazon Drought Worsens

The Guardian - Amazon’s Water Crisis

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) - Climate Reports