El Niño threatens Amazon region and spurs artificial‑cloud geoengineering study

Researchers have modeled a geoengineering approach that would brighten Pacific clouds with salt particles to reflect more sunlight and weaken El Niño. Simulations suggest the technique could lower El Niño‑related temperature spikes and modify rainfall patterns, but the required technology is still far from operational and could have unintended side effects.

Climate forecasts indicate that a strong El Niño could raise maximum temperatures in the Amazon by 2 °C‑3 °C, cut rainfall, prolong droughts and lower river levels, jeopardising agriculture, health and vulnerable communities. Experts warn that reduced river flow would disrupt the Manaus Free‑Trade Zone and the broader Amazon economy, which relies on river transport for essential goods.

The potential economic impact has drawn attention from finance ministries, central banks and multilateral institutions, which warn that climate‑driven extremes could shave several percent off global per‑capita GDP by 2050. The combined scientific and economic analyses underscore the urgency of addressing El Niño’s growing intensity.