El Niño Intensifies, Threatening Global Food Security and Causing Droughts and Wildfires
Summary
El Niño is intensifying and could become the strongest on record, worsening droughts, wildfires and water shortages across Asia and other regions. The disruption is expected to hit rice, palm oil and fish production, raising global food prices and worsening food insecurity for millions.
Key Points
- El Niño is expected to peak in December and may trigger severe droughts, heatwaves and floods through 2027.
- The World Food Programme warns that up to 49 million more people could face acute food insecurity because of the event.
- Southeast Asia is already feeling the impact through wildfires, lower reservoir levels and reduced fish and rice production.
- Analysts say global commodity prices could rise sharply as major exporters such as India, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia are affected.
