Navigating El Nino and La Nina: Understanding the Climate Patterns Shaping Our World

The United Nations has issued a warning for the world to prepare for the impacts of El Nino, a weather phenomenon that is expected to persist throughout 2023. El Nino is a climate pattern that is associated with increased global temperatures, drought in some regions, and heavy rains in others. It occurs every two to seven years and typically lasts for nine to 12 months.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has declared that El Nino is already underway and there is a 90% chance that it will continue into the second half of 2023. The WMO Secretary-General, Petteri Taalas, has emphasized the need for governments to mobilize preparations to limit the impacts on health, ecosystems, and economies. Early warnings and anticipatory actions are crucial to saving lives and livelihoods.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has confirmed the arrival of El Nino and expects it to be of at least moderate strength. The warming effect of El Nino on global temperatures is expected to be most strongly felt in 2024.

In contrast to El Nino, La Nina is a cooling climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean. The world has recently experienced a triple-dip La Nina, which lasted for three consecutive years from 2020 to early 2023. La Nina’s cooling effect temporarily slowed down rising global temperatures.

The WMO predicts a 98% likelihood that at least one of the next five years will be the warmest on record. The organization also warns of potential health impacts from El Nino, including an increase in cholera, mosquito-borne diseases, infectious diseases, extreme heat, wildfires, and food insecurity leading to malnutrition.

Overall, the world is urged to prepare for the impacts of El Nino and take necessary precautions to mitigate its effects on various aspects of life. The UN and other organizations are working to support countries in preparing for and responding to the challenges posed by this climate phenomenon.