Climate shocks are accelerating as the threat of El Niño threatens already vulnerable regions

This warning comes as climate stress continues to increase around the world, particularly in regions already experiencing fragile food systems and recurring humanitarian crises.

For example, new data from World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Thursday showed that climate impacts increase across Africa by 2025.

According to the latest agency State of the Climate in Africa 2025 reportextreme weather and climate-related events affecting at least 13 million people and causing more than 3,000 reported deaths across the continent last year.

Dangerous climate in Africa

Floods remain the most frequently reported disaster, accounting for more than half of recorded weather events.

Severe flooding in Nigeria in May killed more than 200 people, while flooding in Democratic Republic of the Congo in April caused more than 160 deaths. Meanwhile, drought continues to exacerbate difficulties in parts of East Africa.

Africa is warming faster than the global average, glacier retreat is accelerating and sea level rise along the continent’s coastlines has exceeded the global average since 1999.

Ice coverage on Mount Kilimanjaro has decreased from 11.4 square kilometers in 1900 to less than one square kilometer in recent years.

Climate scientists warn that these changes increase the frequency and severity of weather shocks, narrowing opportunities for preparedness and adaptation.

El Niño triggers disruptions

Against this background, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (F.A.O) And World Food Programme (WFP) warned that a potentially strong El Niño weather pattern is expected to intensify through the end of 2026 and into next year could trigger another wave of climate-related disruptions.

Changes in rainfall patterns associated with El Niño are expected to cause drought in some areas and major flooding in othersthreatening crop yields, livestock, water supplies and food production throughout Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The agencies warned that without early action, millions of people would face worsening food insecurity and loss of livelihoods.

UN agencies are pushing for action

In response, FAO and WFP launched their first programs Call for Joint Anticipatory Actionseeks $202 million to help nearly 8.8 million people prepare for the expected impacts of El Niño.

This appeal centers on previous actions, providing support before a disaster occurs rather than providing assistance after a crisis occurs.

Planned interventions include cash transfers, distribution of drought- and flood-resistant seeds, livestock protection measures, water storage systems, early warning messages and climate advisories tailored to local conditions.

Systems are in place to help the estimated 1.2 million people affected by El Niñohowever additional funding will enable operations to scale rapidly and reach 7.6 million people in 22 priority countries.

Appeal for funding

FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol said experience has repeatedly shown that acting before a crisis threshold is reached is more effective and cheaper than responding after a disaster has occurred.

WFP Acting Executive Director Carl Skau warned that the international community had little chance of preventing another major food crisis.

“We now have the tools to anticipate these events, what matters is how we respond to themhe said, stressing that acting quickly was critical to protect families before livelihoods were lost.

The agencies noted that the funding request comes at a difficult time for humanitarian operations globally, as needs continue to increase while aid budgets remain under increasing pressure.