Kathmandu— The 2026-27 El Nino is expected to be one of the most intense on record, with scientists warning it will bring devastating climate extremes supercharged by human-induced global warming. The phenomenon, characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific, has already caused anchovies to disappear from South American coasts and could lead to severe droughts and floods worldwide.
El Nino's Impact on Marine Life
Anchovy populations along the Pacific coast of South America have declined dramatically as warm ocean currents replace nutrient-rich cold waters. This shift is not only affecting fishermen but also causing a ripple effect up the food chain, leading to deaths among seals and sea lions and thousands of seabirds washing ashore from California to Ecuador.
Global Climate Extremes
El Nino's effects will be felt globally, with Southeast Asia and South America expected to suffer the most. The phenomenon could bring droughts to some regions and severe flooding to others, exacerbating existing challenges such as high energy and fertilizer prices due to geopolitical tensions.
Economic Consequences
The economic impact of this super El Nino is expected to be significant. Crop failures could ripple through supply chains, leading to billions in damage to the global economy. Economists at Citigroup estimate that a super El Nino could inflict up to $7 trillion in global economic losses over five years.
Preparation and Response
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is mobilizing forecasts and services on an unprecedented scale to prepare for the event. The WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized that this super El Nino demands exceptional preparation, as it could push more people into hunger and exacerbate health issues such as malaria and dengue fever.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
Originally published on abcnews.com.np.
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