Fossil fuel production is ‘loading the dice’ ahead of strengthening El Niño conditions, turning what is an otherwise ‘ natural climate cycle into a far more dangerous force’, 350.org has said.
The climate campaign group cited recent World Meteorological Organization (WMO) data that indicates that El Niño conditions are likely to significantly influence weather patterns in the months ahead, with above-average temperatures forecast between June and August, and both drought and heavy rainfall likely in different parts of the world.
Fuel to the fire
According to Anne Jellema, executive director of 350.org, the continued reliance on fossil fuels is helping to stoke this fire.
“El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern, but its impacts are now being intensified by human-driven climate change caused by burning fossil fuels,” she commented. “As global temperatures rise, El Niño events are becoming more dangerous, amplifying heatwaves, floods, droughts and wildfires, and putting lives and livelihoods at greater risk around the world.
“El Niño is not new, but the conditions we are experiencing today are. […] Now is the time to prepare. But preparedness alone is not enough. We must urgently tackle the root cause by phasing out fossil fuels and holding polluters accountable.”
350.org has called for stronger measures to hold fossil fuel companies to account over their contribution to climate change, such as the introduction of a windfall tax, the proceeds from which could be used to support climate adaptation efforts and protect vulnerable communities.
“A permanent windfall tax on fossil fuel companies could help countries protect lives and livelihoods as climate impacts intensify. This is also a moment for global cooperation , because no country can face this crisis alone,” Jellema added.
As well as undertaking efforts to phase out fossil fuels, 350,org is also calling on governments to increase investment in climate adaptation measures and ensure that those most responsible for greenhouse gas emissions contribute to financing climate solutions.
Preparation is key
Commenting on the forthcoming El Niño event, WMO secretary general Celeste Saulo said that the world needs to “prepare for a potentially strong El Niño event – which will exacerbate drought and heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves both on land and in the ocean. The most recent El Niño, in 2023-24, was one of the five strongest on record and it played a role in the record global temperatures we saw in 2024.
“The WMO community will be carefully monitoring conditions in the coming months to inform decision-making by governments, humanitarian agencies and climate-sensitive sectors. Advance seasonal forecasts and early warnings are vital to save lives and cushion the impact on our economies and our communities.” Read more here and here.
