The World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) annual report on climate change noted the cost of drought, floods and heatwaves is rising and is also leading to issues with food security, human displacement and sustainable development.
What does the climate report say?
Global temperatures are expected to hit record highs over the next five years. The WMO's State of Global Climate report says there is a 66% likelihood of temperatures rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels between now and 2027. The WMO also predicts that the next five years will be the hottest on record. Greenhouse gases bear a large share of the blame, but this wouldn't be happening were it not for El Niño.
What is El Nino?
El Nino is a natural climate phase during which the sea's surface becomes warmer - especially in the tropical central and eastern part of the Pacific Ocean. It boosts global temperatures and alters weather patterns around the world, dramatically increasing rainfall in some parts of the globe while reducing it in others. This has a huge impact on farmers and, as a result, on the world's food supply.
El Niño causes droughts as sea temperatures rise./CFP
What does the increase mean for climate change targets?
El Nino adds an average of 0.2 degrees Celsius to the world's temperature. The WMO report warns that this natural planet-warming phenomenon will piggyback on top of manmade temperature surges to push the world's climate into "uncharted territory." The hottest year in recorded history was 2016, during a particularly strong El Nino.
How often does it happen?
El Nino typically occurs every two to seven years, alternating with its climatic counterpart, La Nina – meaning "the girl. La Nina does the opposite of El Nino, causing sea temperatures to cool. The pattern shifts back and forth between the two at irregular intervals. The WMO says a new El Nino is expected to develop in the coming months.
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