El Niño could push 50m people into acute hunger before end of next year
Summary
A strong El Niño weather system is expected to cause acute hunger for about 50 million more people by the end of next year. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warns that this will worsen existing food insecurity in many countries, especially in Central and South America, the Caribbean, southern Africa, and parts of Asia.Key Facts
- El Niño is a natural weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean that changes rainfall worldwide.
- This year's El Niño is predicted to be the strongest in 70 years, influenced by climate change.
- About 225 million people in 45 countries currently face acute food insecurity.
- The new El Niño could increase this number by over 20%, adding around 50 million people.
- Areas most at risk include Central and South America, the Caribbean, southern Africa, and south/southeast Asia.
- The WFP plans to spend at least $80 million on early warnings and relief efforts to reduce hunger.
- Food prices may rise globally, affected further by conflicts like the war in the Middle East.
- Last major El Niño (2015-16) caused 60 to 100 million people to suffer severe hunger; better preparedness may reduce this impact now.
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