Scientists said this week that a developing El Niño is likely to amplify heatwaves, droughts and floods this year. But it’s not the biggest culprit of climate extremes.
The consequences of a moderate or strong El Niño today are more damaging than those of similar events just a few decades ago because of the long-term warming caused by burning fossil fuels.
Bob, who covers climate science and international climate policy for ICN, explains what El Niño is and how it changes weather around the world, whether we’re now entering a period when record-breaking weather becomes normal, and if the impacts of El Niño this year could be permanent.
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Reporter, Austria
Bob Berwyn is an Austria-based reporter who has covered climate science and international climate policy for more than a decade. Previously, he reported on the environment, endangered species and public lands for several Colorado newspapers, and also worked as editor and assistant editor at community newspapers in the Colorado Rockies.