World Hit by 'Hellish' Conditions, UN Secretary-General Issues Dire Warning
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the El Niño phenomenon, which is strengthening very rapidly, will dominate global weather patterns. This condition is expected to trigger extreme weather in various parts of the world.
In its latest update released on Friday, the United Nations’ weather agency stated that this periodic climate phenomenon increases the risk of heatwaves, droughts, and floods worldwide. This warning comes as several countries in Africa and Europe face massive wildfires, while the monsoon season causes chaos in various regions of South Asia.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterries stated that El Niño is no longer a looming threat, but is already underway and worsening global conditions. “El Niño is not just at our doorstep; it is already inside the house and raising the temperature,” Guterres said, as quoted by Al Jazeera on Saturday.
He emphasised that the current situation is only the beginning. “This is just the warming. El Niño is strengthening, adding fuel to an already burning planet,” he added.
The WMO estimates that sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific region will surge by more than 2.9 degrees Celsius above normal. This unusual warming is expected to disrupt global weather systems and drive temperature spikes in various regions.
Guterres urged all nations to accelerate climate action as the impacts of El Niño now intersect with human-induced climate change. He specifically cited the expansion of fossil fuel use as a primary factor exacerbating the climate crisis. Consequently, Guterres called for an immediate halt to new coal, oil, and gas projects.
The WMO projects that above-normal temperatures will occur across almost all landmasses globally. The most extreme heat signals are expected to hit Africa, Southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, East Asia, and South America.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo stated that although El Niño is being closely monitored, early warnings must be followed by concrete action from governments and humanitarian agencies to protect vulnerable populations. “The forecast itself does not prevent danger; humans do,” said Saulo. “The decisions we make today will determine the impacts we experience tomorrow.”
Scientists warn that this year’s El Niño has the potential to reach record intensity when it peaks in the second half of the year. However, they emphasised that computer model projections still contain uncertainties.