Latest News

How London, Paris and New York coped in the heatwaves of the past

By The Conversation - May 26, 2026

Paris, London and New York are more often associated with culture, finance and history than with dangerous heat. Yet each summer all three are increasingly exposed to extreme temperatures they were never designed to withstand. Like many dense urban areas, they amplify heat through what is known as the “urban heat island effect”. This reflects […]

Colombia on Guard as ‘Super’ El Niño Threatens Record Heat, Drought and Food Security

By The City Paper Staff - May 21, 2026

A potentially historic El Niño climate event is emerging as one of the defining stories for Colombia through the remainder of 2026, with authorities warning that extreme heat, drought, water shortages and energy pressures could push vulnerable regions toward crisis conditions. Climate agencies, environmental authorities and agricultural groups are increasingly sounding alarms over what some […]

After a severe water crisis in Bogotá, Mayor Galán ends rationing

By The City Paper Staff - April 11, 2025

Bogotá ends year-long water rationing as Chingaza reservoir levels stabilize, marking a major recovery from one of the city’s worst water crises. Mayor Galán urges continued conservation, citing improved inflows, weather, and public cooperation in avoiding supply disruption.

Colombia declares State of Emergency amid torrential rains and extreme weather

By The City Paper Staff - November 12, 2024

President Petro has declared a state of emergency across Colombia following relentless rainfall in the Pacific and Andean regions. Widespread flooding and landslides have displacement more than 90,000 people.

Bogotá braces for more powerful storms following flash flooding

By The City Paper Staff - November 7, 2024

Bogotá braces for more powerful storms after severe flooding on November 6. The storm caused major traffic disruptions, school closures, and overwhelmed the city’s drainage systems.

COP16 Biodiversity Summit opens in Cali with focus on “Peace with Nature”

By Richard Emblin - October 21, 2024

Colombia has officially opened the 16th UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, welcoming delegates from nearly 200 countries. The summit, running from October 20 to November 1, centers on the theme “Peace with Nature” and addresses critical issues such as biodiversity protection, climate action, and economic sustainability.

Bogotá heat wave and water crisis could lead to Disaster Declaration from Mayor Galán

By Richard Emblin - October 18, 2024

As Bogotá faces a water crisis with extreme heat, Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán may be forced to declare a state of emergency for the Colombian capital. With reservoirs levels at critical lows, an extended drought could lead to water shortages during 2025.

Amazon drought hits indigenous communities of Leticia and Puerto Nariño

By The City Paper Staff - October 2, 2024

Severe drought in the Amazon is causing critical water shortages, with river levels dropping by 80% across vast sections of the Amazon River. The Colombian port city of Leticia and neighboring indigenous communities are among the worst affected, as vital trade routes from Brazil and Peru have been disrupted.

Bogotá implements revised water rationing measures as reservoirs recover

By The City Paper Staff - June 27, 2024

Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán announced new water rationing measures starting in July, aimed at mitigating the ongoing water crisis in the Colombian capital as reservoirs gradually recover.

From drought to deluge: Colombia shifts from El Niño to La Niña

By The City Paper Staff - June 12, 2024

Colombia is currently in a transition phase between El Niño and La Niña. While El Niño is known for high temperatures and droughts, La Niña brings increased rainfall and cooler temperatures, particularly in the Andean, Caribbean, and Pacific regions.

Stricter water-saving measures for Bogotá as climate crisis deepens

By The City Paper Staff - April 15, 2024

Bogotá faces a deepening water crisis as the El Niño weather pattern continues with high temperatures and lack of rainfall. New measures were introduced Monday by Mayor Galán to restict water usage in the Colombian capital.

Colombia’s high-altitude Andean wetlands ravaged by devastating forest fires

By The City Paper Staff - January 24, 2024

Colombia battles a severe environmental crisis with 21 forest fires, fueled by unseasonably high temperatures and an extended El Niño weather pattern, threatening fragile biodiversity and the Andean high-altitude wetlands.

Heat wave causes wildfires to rage in Bogotá’s Cerros Orientales

By The City Paper Staff - January 22, 2024

Amidst a relentless heat wave, wildfires blaze in Bogotá’s Cerros Orientales, fueled by the El Niño phenomenon, prompting a city-wide firefighting effort and heightened vigilance.

Colombia officially declares start of El Niño phenomenon

By The City Paper Staff - November 7, 2023

Anticipating soaring temperatures and drought conditions, Colombia’s IDEAM has officially declared the start of the El Niño phenomenon.

UN monitoring Colombia’s food security with El Niño weather pattern

By Richard Emblin - May 29, 2023

The United Nations is monitoring closely Colombia’s response to food security should the country face a severe, or extended, El Niño.

Colombia – U.S start Tenth High-Level Dialogue in Washington

By Richard Emblin - March 27, 2023

Although no reference was made by Chancellor Álvaro Leyva of President Petro’s “total peace” policy, the Colombian Government and US remain committed to sustainable development and peace in the hemisphere.