UN warns of strong El Niño development

Birleşmiş Milletler (BM) has issued an official warning that the El Niño event, which significantly affects global weather conditions, could become strong towards the end of the year. Recent statements by the Dünya Meteoroloji Örgütü (WMO) emphasize that this natural climate event could break temperature records and lead to an increase in extreme weather conditions. Experts are expressing their concerns, particularly regarding the disruption of rainfall regimes in tropical regions and the direct threat this poses to agricultural production.

El Niño is a weather event characterized by an abnormal increase in sea water temperatures in the equatorial regions of the Pasifik Okyanusu and occurs every two to seven years. This warming alters atmospheric circulation patterns, increasing the risk of extreme events such as droughts, floods, or tropical storms across the globe. The BM's latest forecasts indicate that the current situation is evolving into a strong El Niño by the end of the year.

It is known that the La Nina event experienced in recent years acted as a brake on global average temperatures to some extent; however, the end of this situation and the onset of El Niño are evaluated together, leading to expectations of a sharp rise in temperatures. WMO Genel Sekreteri Petteri Taalas stated that this development could lay the groundwork for new temperature records by interacting with global warming. This situation brings the urgency of measures needed to combat climate change back to the agenda.

One of the biggest impacts of these climate changes will be felt in the agriculture and food security sectors. Expected precipitation deficits, particularly in regions like Güney Afrika, Güney Amerika and Avustralya, could reduce agricultural crop yields and lead to increases in food prices. The BM calls on governments and relevant institutions to strengthen early warning systems against these possible risks and prepare emergency plans.

Experts predict that El Niño could also exert pressure on the global economy, with fluctuations in energy and commodity markets likely to increase. Consumers may encounter days of heat or cold outside seasonal norms, and at-risk groups regarding health may need to take precautions. The BM continues its monitoring work on the subject uninterruptedly, while inviting local governments worldwide to be prepared against potential dangers such as heat waves and floods.