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Powerful El Nino to intensify heat on ‘a planet already on fire’: UN

From Al Jazeera · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The UN chief warned that the powerful El Nino weather phenomenon will intensify global heatwaves.
  • He urged an immediate halt to new fossil fuel projects as El Nino exacerbates extreme weather events.
  • The warning comes as the planet faces unprecedented heat, floods, and droughts.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark warning about the intensifying effects of the El Nino weather pattern. He stated that El Nino will amplify the already extreme heat gripping the planet, which he described as "a planet already on fire." Guterres called for an immediate cessation of all new fossil fuel exploration and production projects worldwide.

"The world is on fire," Guterres declared, emphasizing the urgency of the climate crisis. He linked the El Nino phenomenon directly to the rise in global temperatures and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, and droughts. The UN chief's statement underscores the critical need for global action to transition away from fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy sources.

The world is on fire.

— António GuterresUN Secretary-General António Guterres describing the current state of the planet due to climate change and El Nino.

The warning from the UN highlights the interconnectedness of global weather patterns and the profound impact of climate change. As El Nino strengthens, its effects are expected to be felt across various regions, posing significant challenges to ecosystems, economies, and human populations. The call for a halt to new fossil fuel projects signals a critical juncture in the fight against climate change, demanding decisive policy changes and international cooperation.

We must be able to say no to new fossil fuel exploration and production.

— António GuterresUN Secretary-General António Guterres calling for an end to new fossil fuel projects.
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Originally published by Al Jazeera. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.