Antonio Guterres warns that a strengthening El Niño is pushing the world into uncharted climate territory
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Friday that a strengthening El Niño weather system is pushing the global climate into uncharted territory. The phenomenon, which causes a natural warming of the Pacific Ocean, is expected to trigger extreme heat, drought, and rainfall across the globe through spring 2027. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the system is developing against a backdrop of unprecedented ocean heat and rising temperatures. While El Niño typically combines with long-term global warming, Guterres noted that fossil fuel expansion is the primary driver amplifying the crisis. He urged governments to halt new coal, oil, and gas projects to mitigate the impacts of the scorching conditions. The WMO projects above-normal temperatures across most land areas, with significant risks of drought and wildfires in Asia, Australia, and South America. Conversely, southern Europe and parts of the United States will likely experience above-average rainfall. Guterres emphasized that while forecasts provide a window of opportunity, governments must act now to recognize the climate crisis as an existential threat.