El Niño Intensifies: Global Risks Rise as Super Climate Pattern Gains Strength
Super El Niño threatens 347 million children with extreme weather. UN warns of floods, droughts, and food insecurity in 2026.
POLICY WIRE — Geneva, Switzerland — A powerful climate phenomenon known as a ‘Super El Niño’ is gaining momentum, triggering severe weather disruptions across the globe. With ocean temperatures already surpassing those seen during the 1997 and 2015 events, the pattern is expected to intensify through early 2027, bringing both drought and flooding to vulnerable regions.
According to new data from UNICEF, over 347 million children in nearly 100 countries could face extreme wet or dry conditions between October and December 2026. This includes heightened risks of floods, water shortages, and crop failures, which could lead to widespread displacement, malnutrition, and health crises.
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UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized that El Niño is more than just a weather event—it has far-reaching consequences for children’s safety and well-being. The organization warns that existing global challenges, such as food insecurity and economic instability, will be exacerbated by the climate pattern. In Papua New Guinea, where El Niño conditions have been present since mid-2026, officials are already preparing for increased humanitarian needs, including food relief and school disruptions.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
