This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: El Niño represents a "significant" threat to global health, the United Nations warned Tuesday, as the world braces for a cycle of the climate phenomenon predicted to be the most intense on record. Tied to warming surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, the natural weather pattern is linked to higher temperatures alongside periods of both extreme drought and widespread flooding, with its influence already being felt from Central America to Indonesia.
According to the World Health Organization, periods of heavy rain could create favorable conditions for both cholera and disease-carrying insects, notably mosquitoes, which could then lead to an uptick in illnesses such as malaria, chikungunya and dengue fever. "The most severe impacts will be experienced when climate shocks intersect with weak health systems, limited access to health care, food insecurity, displacement and humanitarian crisis," warned Teresa Zakaria, the WHO's unit head for risk reduction, humanitarian operations and climate change. Branding El Niño "a significant public health threat" and a "risk multiplier," Zakaria urged countries to act immediately to "mitigate these impacts and therefore avoid loss of life and suffering." "We have a window of opportunity to act now, before these risks become a crisis," the doctor told reporters in Geneva.
Earlier in September, the U.N.'s World Meteorological Organization warned that the current El Niño is forecast to be the strongest since comparable records began four decades ago, with the knock-on effects on the world's climate continuing well into 2027. While El Niño is not caused by climate change, scientists expect it will turn up the heat on a planet already warming from humanity's burning of fossil fuels, while amping up weather extremes. "Every El Niño is different," said Armel Castellan, an adviser on extreme heat at the WHO-WMO Climate and Health Joint Programme.
"However, this El Niño, coupled with temperatures that were already record-breaking, is what makes this one unique." Master's in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast. Plays key role in Science X's editorial success.
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