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Powerful El Nino could cause more than 450,000 deaths, scientists say
Al Jazeera • • world
Key Points:
- A University of Chicago Climate Impact Lab report projects over 450,000 additional heat-related deaths globally from the strong El Nino event expected through February 2027, compared to a typical year.
- Global land temperatures may rise by about 1.2°C, with extremely hot days becoming 44% more frequent, disproportionately impacting developing nations and Africa’s Sahel region.
- Nigeria faces the highest projected death toll at 31,400, followed by Indonesia (19,300), Sudan (17,600), with significant increases also forecast in India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia.
- Researchers highlight that heat poses the greatest risk in already hot, low-income areas due to limited access to cooling and healthcare, and warn that heat risks will persist beyond the El Nino period.
- Experts urge improved heat preparedness and protection measures, emphasizing that issuing warnings alone is insufficient without effective action to reduce preventable deaths.
