Welcome back to the Latin America Weekly newsletter. In this issue: climate issues in Brazil causing logistical havoc in Argentina. Peru’s new president takes office, but tension remains high. Human rights see progress in Latin America. Biden not emulating Obama on Cuba policy.
Argentina rattled by Brazilian droughts
This week, Argentina declared a 180-day state of emergency as the Paraná River faces its worst dry season in 77 years. Buenos Aires has promised to support the worst-affected cities, along with a USD 10 million fund to mitigate negative impacts.
- And yet, the root of the problem is out of the government’s reach: climate issues in Brazil are affecting the river’s springs, reducing water volume by the time it reaches Argentina.
Why it matters. About 70 percent of Argentina’s grains are shipped overseas by way of the Paraná River. Low water levels mean vessels must travel lighter, increasing transport costs and affecting the local economy.
The true cost. The Rosario grains exchange estimates drought-related losses for Argentina’s agribusiness will reach USD 315 million for the period between March and August 2021, including dead freight and higher costs for transportation and storage.
- “Can we take products to the port of Bahía...