Scientists have confirmed this week that a developing El Niño is likely to amplify heatwaves, droughts and floods this year. But before you blame it for everything, know that it’s not the biggest culprit of climate extremes - that honor still belongs to us and our fossil fuel habit.
The consequences of a moderate or strong El Niño today are more damaging than those of similar events just a few decades ago, thanks to the long-term warming caused by burning fossil fuels. Bob Berwyn, who covers climate science and international climate policy for Inside Climate News, 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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