The World Meteorological Organization states that this year's impact of the weather phenomenon 'El Niño' on climate change has been unprecedented in the last 15 years, leading to severe droughts and floods. According to the UN-affiliated World Meteorological Organization, El Niño, which occurs every 2 to 7 years, has re-emerged strongly a few months ago and is expected to become even more powerful by the end of the year. In a statement, Michel Jarraud, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, said: 'Severe droughts and devastating floods currently affecting tropical and subtropical regions are signs of the current El Niño, which is the strongest El Niño observed in the last 15 years.' El Niño is caused by the increase in sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean and can lead to heavy rainfall in some areas and drought in others. Generally, El Niño periods peak between October and January and often continue into a significant part of the first quarter of the following year before weakening. The World Meteorological Organization reported that this year's phenomenon is one of the four strongest El Niños since 1950 and is expected to raise Pacific Ocean surface temperatures by more than two degrees Celsius. Previous strong El Niños occurred in 1972-73, 1982-83, and 1997-98. In Southeast Asia, El Niño often manifests as drought. These droughts have recently caused forest fires in Indonesia, which are considered the worst in the country's history. El Niño also intensifies storms in the eastern and central Pacific. The World Meteorological Organization links this year's El Niño to very active sea storms in the Pacific region. The Patricia storm that swept through Mexico is related to this phenomenon. Last week, the UN warned that El Niño could significantly increase the number of hungry people as droughts in countries like Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Djibouti and floods in countries like Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda will intensify. However, scientists believe that human-induced greenhouse gas emissions have warmed ocean waters, exacerbating the natural phenomenon of El Niño.
UN Warns of Devastating Effects of El Niño
The UN's World Meteorological Organization warns that this year's El Niño is unprecedented in its effects, causing severe droughts and floods globally. This phenomenon is expected to worsen food insecurity in several African countries. The situation highlights the intersection of climate change and humanitarian crises.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The World Meteorological Organization has reported that this year's El Niño is unprecedented, causing severe droughts and floods worldwide, particularly affecting food security in several African nations.
- This year's El Niño is one of the four strongest since 1950.
- Droughts and floods linked to El Niño are expected to worsen food insecurity in countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
El Niño is a climate pattern that affects weather globally, leading to extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, which are intensified by climate change.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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