El Niño is back with a vengeance – and fears of ‘Godzilla’ strength may be the least of our worries

The United Nations' World Food Programme and agriculture agency have issued a joint appeal for funds to prevent a global hunger crisis, as El Niño returns with significant force. This natural weather pattern, characterized by warmer years and extreme weather events, was first understood by scientists in the 1970s to have a global impact. El Niño, named by Pacific fishers in the 1800s, is now recognized for its ability to supercharge violent weather across continents, from South America to Australia. The current resurgence of El Niño is raising concerns about its potential strength, with fears that it could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and lead to widespread food shortages. The appeal highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the devastating effects of drought and other extreme weather conditions that often accompany this phenomenon, particularly in regions already facing food insecurity. Historical instances, such as the drought in Ethiopia in the early 1970s, underscore the devastating consequences of such climate shifts on agricultural production and livelihoods. The joint appeal aims to mobilize resources to support vulnerable populations and bolster agricultural resilience before the full impact of the current El Niño event is felt.