El Niño is making a comeback, and scientists are warning that its impact could be more severe than ever. The climate phenomenon, which occurs when ocean surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean rise above average, is expected to push global temperatures to unprecedented levels in 2025. Already, 2024 is on track to be one of the hottest years in recorded history, and El Niño’s return could amplify this trend.
What does it mean? El Niño is associated with extreme weather patterns worldwide. In the US, it often brings heavy rains to the South and Southwest while increasing the risk of drought in northern regions. Globally, countries like Australia are bracing for wildfires, while South American nations may face devastating floods. Developing countries, particularly in the tropics, are at the highest risk due to limited resources for mitigation.
The stakes: Climate experts are sounding alarms about the compounding effects of El Niño and climate change. Rising ocean temperatures contribute to stronger storms, more severe droughts, and increased wildfires, all of which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Economically, the disruptions caused by El Niño can impact agriculture, fisheries, and energy production, creating ripple effects across global markets.
What can be done? Governments and communities are being urged to prepare for El Niño’s impacts through investments in disaster response infrastructure and climate resilience programs. However, the long-term solution lies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to curb the underlying drivers of climate change.
Zoom out: As the planet heats up, climate phenomena like El Niño are becoming more intense and frequent. The return of this natural event serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of addressing the global climate crisis.