Climate change and inadequate management of water resources are causing the disappearance of lakes in the Patagonian region of Argentina. An emblematic case is that of Lake Colhué Huapi, located in southern Chubut, which completely dried up in less than a decade, turning into a desert of dunes. This situation reflects an alarming trend that also affects other bodies of water in the region.
Five lakes in the Laguna Blanca National Park in Neuquén had their surface reduced between 20% and 52% since 2007. This was confirmed by a study published in Science of the Total Environment, which warns about the loss of essential habitats for various species of flora and fauna, including migratory birds and endangered species such as the black-necked swan and the Patagonian frog.
The Laguna Blanca National Park is an internationally important protected area, but the lack of water jeopardizes its biodiversity and ecological balance. The research, based on satellite images and climatic analysis, reveals an increase in drought periods and a decrease in humidity in the basin since 2007. Furthermore, 53 irrigation channels built upstream since 2020 were identified, which could be exacerbating the situation.
Environmental and Social Impact
The disappearance of lakes not only affects the fauna and flora but also has consequences for nearby communities. The erosion of lakebed sediments can cause respiratory problems in towns like Zapala, as happened in Comodoro Rivadavia after the Colhué Huapi drought. Additionally, the water crisis impacts productive and recreational activities, affecting the regional economy.
Experts like Carina Seitz from the National University of Comahue emphasize the need to improve the management of water resources and have more local data to fully understand the problem. The lack of updated information and the defunding of scientific organizations hinder evidence-based decision-making.
Researcher Guillermo Folguera warns that activities such as mega-mining, fracking, and agribusiness contribute to excessive water consumption, exacerbating the crisis of the Patagonian lakes. Faced with this situation, experts agree on the need for coordinated action at the local and international levels to address the challenges of climate change and protect the fragile Patagonian ecosystems.
Patagonia
Fires in Patagonia: What are the three active hotspots
So far, forest fires have devastated at least 37,000 hectares in the provinces of Río Negro, Chubut, and Neuquén, deeply affecting local communities.
The latest hotspot, in Trevelin, started near Provincial Route N°34 in an area known as “Huella de los Rifleros”. Firefighters, SPLIF (Forest Fire Prevention and Fighting Service) brigades from Trevelin, Esquel, Lago Rosario, and fighters from Los Alerces National Park are working in the area.
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