Published on: 2026-08-05
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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August 5, 2026 Climate and Environment
Due to the intensifying El Niño climate phenomenon, nearly 50 million people in the most vulnerable regions of the planet may face severe hunger in the coming months. This warning was issued on Wednesday by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The acute phase of hunger means people’s inability to meet basic daily food needs.
WFP is scaling up operations in eight countries where people are already living in conditions of poverty, conflict, unemployment, and ongoing climate shocks. Preparing for anticipated floods, droughts, and storms is becoming a priority.
According to acting WFP head Carlo Scau, El Niño poses a massive security threat to millions of people, and the sooner the international community can prepare for climate shocks, the higher the chances of saving lives and preserving livelihoods.
According to WFP estimates, El Niño will intensify in September, causing the number of people facing acute food shortages to increase from 225 to 274 million, or roughly by 22 percent. The most severe impacts are expected in Central America and southern Africa. Serious risks are also forecasted for East Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
WFP emphasizes that the impact of El Niño is extremely uneven: some countries are already facing shortages of precipitation, floods, and abnormal heat, while others expect a worsening situation during the sowing period and upcoming harvests. South Africa is particularly vulnerable due to the dependence of millions of people on rainfed agricultural systems.
The agency reminds that the 2015–2016 El Niño affected the food security of 60–100 million people. Current forecasts indicate that the 2026–2027 cycle could lead to a crisis of similar scale.
According to forecasts, El Niño will reach its peak between September and December of this year, but its effects will be felt throughout 2027 due to its impact on future harvests.
Experience from past El Niño cycles shows that every dollar invested in preventive measures can save three to seven dollars in future losses and response costs. Together with other UN agencies, UNDP implements preventive plans in more than 50 countries. Since May, the agency has activated early action mechanisms in South Sudan, Chad, Mauritania, Uganda, Guatemala, and El Salvador, directing over 14 million dollars to assist half a million people.
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