Published on: 2026-07-14
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 13, 2026 Climate and Environment
The UN Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, warned of the return of the El Niño climate phenomenon, which could soon lead to large-scale humanitarian consequences in several regions of the planet.
According to Fletcher, extreme heat, droughts, and floods are once again threatening millions of people in Latin American countries, East and Southern Africa, as well as Asia and the Pacific region. He reminded that the previous El Niño cycle in 2023–2024 left tens of millions of people in acute need, causing shortages of food, drinking water, medical care, and livelihoods.
Another destructive cycle
According to forecasts, the next El Niño cycle could be even more devastating. The situation is complicated by ongoing armed conflicts, an increasing number of displaced persons, as well as high prices for fuel, fertilizers, and food. Additional pressure is also being felt by the international humanitarian system, which is facing a significant reduction in funding.
In response to growing risks, the UN is ready to allocate up to 100 million dollars from the Central Emergency Response Fund for advance preparation for the possible consequences of this climate phenomenon. As Fletcher noted, the organization has already learned lessons from previous crises and is actively engaged in planning and coordinating humanitarian activities.
Preparation for possible emergencies is based on refined climate forecasts. More than 20 million dollars have already been allocated for preventive measures in six countries. In addition, funds are invested through a special climate mechanism – the Climate Action Account – to support the most vulnerable communities, enhancing their resilience to future climate shocks.
What is El Niño?
El Niño is a natural climatic phenomenon associated with the periodic increase in surface water temperatures in the central and eastern parts of the equatorial zone of the Pacific Ocean. It influences weather conditions worldwide, causing droughts in some regions and heavy rainfall or flooding in others. The El Niño cycle typically repeats every few years and can last from several months to a year or more. The consequences of El Niño are becoming increasingly severe against the backdrop of global climate change and growing population vulnerability.
“The choice is clear: we can wait for a disaster to happen, or invest in resilience right now,” Fletcher said, urging the global community to act proactively to reduce the humanitarian impacts of the climate crisis.
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