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Scientists warn of 'super' El Nino threat to India and global ecosystems
More than 180 scientists and ecologists in India have issued an urgent appeal to researchers and policymakers to prepare for an impending 'super' El Nino event. The phenomenon, characterized by the warming of surface waters in the tropical Pacific Ocean, is projected to be exceptionally strong, with sea surface temperature anomalies potentially exceeding 4 degrees Celsius—the highest recorded in the last 1,000 years.
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) indicates that these conditions are likely to intensify and could persist through February 2027. Experts warn that such an event could disrupt global atmospheric circulation, leading to a weakened monsoon in India and increased risks of extreme heat, severe drought, and water scarcity. These conditions pose significant threats to the livelihoods of farmers, fishermen, and shepherds.
Ecological consequences may include widespread coral bleaching, increased frequency of wildfires, and the mortality of large rainforest trees, particularly in regions like the Western Ghats where trees are already near their heat tolerance limits. Scientists are calling for enhanced monitoring and research to document these shifts in animal behavior and plant production to better safeguard ecosystems and social systems.
Entities
India · Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology · Jayashree Ratnam · National Centre for Biological Science · Pacific Ocean · Roxy Mathew Koll · Western Ghats · World Meteorological Organisation · World Meteorological Organization
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The increasing intensity of recent El Nino events serves as a warning of accelerating global climate change. www.newindianexpress.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Large trees in the Western Ghats are particularly susceptible to extended droughts. www.newindianexpress.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The event poses a high probability of drought and extreme heat, impacting farmers, fishermen, and shepherds. highlandpost.com · www.newindianexpress.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Over 180 scientists and ecologists in India have signed an appeal to prepare for an upcoming 'super' El Nino event. highlandpost.com · www.aajtak.in · newsindialive.in · www.newindianexpress.com · hindi.news18.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The prevailing El Nino conditions are likely to intensify into a very strong event and persist through February 2027. highlandpost.com · newsindialive.in
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sea surface temperature anomalies could exceed 4 degrees Celsius, the highest in the past 1,000 years. highlandpost.com · newsindialive.in
- [● 2 SOURCES] Pacific Ocean surface temperatures reached more than 2.6 degrees Celsius above average in August. highlandpost.com · newsindialive.in
- [● 2 SOURCES] The El Nino event could cause widespread coral bleaching, increased wildfires, and the death of large rainforest trees. highlandpost.com · www.newindianexpress.com