Environment

Scientists Warn 'Godzilla' El Niño Could Cause 450,000 Deaths

AI SUMMARY

Climate scientists estimate that extreme heat from a powerful 'super El Niño' could cause over 450,000 deaths worldwide within the next six months.

Climate scientists estimate that more than 450,000 people could die over the next six months due to extreme heat from a super El Niño.
The figure excludes premature deaths already occurring from ongoing climate change.
Deaths are predicted to result from extreme heat, droughts, forest fires, and floods.
The current El Niño has surpassed historical temperature records for the phenomenon, prompting scientists to describe it as Godzilla-level.
Mortality estimates were calculated regionally for the period from September to February 2027, with high rates expected to continue until June or July 2027.
The most affected tropical nations will include Nigeria, Indonesia, Sudan, India, and Brazil.
The United States is among the 20 most vulnerable countries, with an estimated 3,500 additional deaths.
Projections are based on peer-reviewed methods tracking temperature and mortality data across 24,378 regions worldwide, using 1996 to 2025 as a benchmark.
Proposed life-saving measures include forecasting heat waves, opening cooling centers, increasing medical staff, and protecting outdoor workers.
The World Food Programme warned that El Niño could lead to acute hunger for 50 million people and increase food prices.