The incoming ‘super’ El Niño will create chaos around the world. And we are far from ready for it
One of the biggest upheavals in a millennium is on its way, strengthened by the climate crisis. We need leaders who make things better not worse
TL;DR
- A 'hyper' El Niño is predicted, with ocean heating possibly reaching 4C, making it the largest in a millennium.
- This El Niño is supercharged by climate change, leading to increasingly extreme weather events.
- The UK could experience a stormy autumn and early winter, with a high risk of epic-scale flooding and strong winds.
- Global economic losses from this El Niño could be substantial, impacting food security, cost of living, and overall economic well-being.
- Devastating effects are expected across the globe, including weak monsoons in India, torrential rains in South America and the western US, and heatwaves/wildfires in Asia and Australia.
- California is bracing for potential 'atmospheric rivers' and a 'megastorm' scenario (ARkStorm) with significant infrastructure and economic damage.
- The El Niño's effects will likely extend into 2027, potentially making it the hottest year on record.
- Governments' continued reliance on fossil fuels and rollback of green policies are criticized in the face of this climate crisis.