El Niño’s influence on global weather has waned, but its impact remains evident. Its departure has brought some relief, but the challenges posed by climate change persist. The phenomenon has left a trail of devastation, including droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, and crop failures.
El Niño’s effects have been particularly severe in Ecuador, Colombia, West Africa, and Southeast Asia. In Ecuador, droughts have led to electricity rationing due to the reliance on hydroelectricity. Colombia has also faced water shortages and wildfires.
West Africa and the Sahel experienced a deadly heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 48 degrees Celsius. Climate change exacerbated the extreme temperatures by up to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The prolonged heatwave took a heavy toll on communities, compounded by power cuts.
Southern Africa grappled with crop failures due to low rainfall, leaving over 20 million people facing hunger and water scarcity. The drought led to outbreaks of cholera in Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Southeast Asia has also endured scorching heat. Vietnam declared a state of emergency, while schools closed in the Philippines as temperatures soared. Thailand has suffered from record-breaking high temperatures for 13 consecutive months.
Meteorologists attribute the unusually long dry spells and heat to El Niño, but climate change has played a significant role. Natural meteorological events are likely being intensified by higher temperatures. In Singapore, experts predict the lingering effects of El Niño will result in continued high heat into 2024.
As the world transitions from El Niño, the ongoing influence of climate change demands attention. Mitigating its effects requires concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to extreme weather events.
