New York, USA – The United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have warned that the current El Niño climate phenomenon is intensifying to an unprecedented degree, becoming the strongest since records began four decades ago.
This is pushing the planet toward what they described as a “danger zone for extreme weather,”
with potentially catastrophic consequences for the world’s economies and societies.
Unknown waters and high-level UN warnings
In a decisive statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres affirmed
that the El Niño phenomenon “is growing before our very eyes,
leaving no doubt that the planet is in uncharted waters that are constantly warming.”
Guterres noted that the current race is between the increasing climate risks
and the international community’s commitment to taking urgent measures.
These measures are necessary to protect lives and resources.
For her part, the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, Celeste São Paulo,
explained that the current trajectory of the phenomenon could make it the strongest event ever recorded.
She also described the record-breaking ocean temperatures as “literally beyond the usual charts.”
São Paulo urged disaster management authorities and critical sectors
such as agriculture, health, energy, and water to prepare immediately.
They must be prepared for widespread disruptions that could severely impact the global economy.
Record readings and disruptions extending until 2027
Data from the organization indicates a near 100% probability of El Niño continuing until February 2027.
Indications show that sea surface temperatures in the central-eastern Pacific Ocean,
the primary monitoring area for the phenomenon, have risen by approximately 2.2 to 2.6 degrees Celsius above normal levels in late summer.
Meanwhile, subsurface temperatures have reached record highs,
exceeding 8 degrees Celsius above average in some areas.
The phenomenon is expected to peak towards the end of this year.
It is anticipated to leave behind severe droughts in parts of the Amazon, Indonesia, and Australia.
It will also cause significant disruptions to monsoon rainfall patterns.
This, along with an exacerbation of flooding and tropical cyclones, presents governments with a real test.
The phenomenon is putting the effectiveness of early warning systems and proactive plans to the test.
