UN warns supersized El Niño could devastate global economy until February 2027
The UN identifies a dangerous weather zone driven by an intensified El Niño persisting into late 2026 and potentially affecting markets globally through crop and energy disruptions.
Celeste Saulo, secretary general of the U.N.'s World Meteorological Organization, stated on Thursday that the climate event is intensifying into a "supersized" phenomenon. This weather pattern is projected to persist until February 2027, creating risks for floods, droughts, and extreme heat across many nations. Saulo noted the potential for massive blows to communities and economies worldwide, citing immediate disruption already seen in droughts and floods. Asia-Pacific and Latin America are expected to face the brunt of these impacts immediately. In Central America, El Salvador declared a state of emergency on August 25 due to El Niño-linked droughts affecting communities nationally, while Guatemala and Honduras also experience erratic weather conditions leading to severe crop losses. Beyond agriculture, officials in Peru report devastating blows to anchovy fishing, impacting livestock feed supplies. A weaker monsoon season in India is expected to impact the growth of rice, sugar, cotton, and soybeans globally. The entire world will feel these impacts through commodities ranging from corn and cocoa to energy.
