‘Supersizing before our eyes’: UN warns of record El Niño approaching
Event is likely to be largest in at least 1,000 years and will pile extra heat into a world already in a climate crisis
TL;DR
- The UN warns El Niño is 'supersizing' and expected to be the largest in at least 1,000 years.
- It is predicted to shatter temperature records, with 2027 likely to be the hottest year ever recorded.
- Global heating is intensifying El Niño cycles, creating a feedback loop of worsening impacts.
- Current impacts include worsening wildfires in Indonesia and weakening monsoons in India.
- Global consequences are expected to include greater fire risk in Australia and more intense floods in South America.
- The World Food Programme predicts El Niño could push 50 million people into acute hunger.
- Ocean temperatures at the heart of El Niño are already 2.6C above average, with forecasts predicting a peak of around 4C.
- This event is being described as 'truly mind-blowing' and 'Godzilla-level'.
- The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is launching a major mobilization to deliver forecasts and services to save lives.