A monster is sweeping across the Pacific Ocean – drought and famine follow in its wake

The ‘little boy’ may sound innocent, but this year’s El Niño is anything but harmless. It is fuelled by the climate crisis and is expected to be the strongest ever recorded.

^{Text: Lena Scherman}

The University of Chicago has calculated the consequences, and projections suggest that up to 450,000 people will die by February next year – as a result of this year’s El Niño.

As sea temperatures rise, this leads to drought and famine in some areas. Other places are hit by heavier rainfall and flooding. In both scenarios, agriculture and access to clean water – which are crucial to people’s living conditions – are affected.

According to calculations by Climate Impact Labs, Nigeria, Sudan, India, Indonesia and Brazil will be hardest hit. However, all countries within a broad belt around the equator will feel the consequences, albeit to varying degrees.

^{About Deep Sea Reporter: Our aim is to investigate and report on issues relating to the ocean and the life that exists beneath the surface. We operate in the public interest and are independent of political, commercial and other interests in society.}