‘Godzilla-level’ El Niño could cause hottest year on record - The Latest

In this episode, host Lucy Hough interviews environment correspondent Damien Gale regarding a recent UN warning about an impending 'Super El Niño,' a severe weather phenomenon not seen in over a thousand years. Gale explains that El Niño affects global weather systems by weakening trade winds in the Pacific, leading to extreme weather variations across the globe. Expected impacts include droughts in the Amazon and East Africa, increased rainfall in California, and significant disruptions to agriculture and food supplies, potentially leading to a hunger crisis.

The discussion highlights the geopolitical ramifications of these weather changes, including possible shipping restrictions in the Panama Canal and heightened risks of conflict in vulnerable regions. Gale emphasizes the urgency for governments to prepare for the severe consequences of this event rather than react post-crisis. He also touches on the climate justice aspect, outlining how wealthier nations are better equipped to handle extreme heat compared to poorer ones. The episode concludes with a critique of media narratives that downplay the seriousness of the climate crisis, stressing that economic interests often overshadow environmental concerns.