It has been announced that the rapidly developing El Nino weather phenomenon could drive approximately 50 million people into acute hunger by the end of next year.
“Elchi” reports that this situation will create an additional burden for hundreds of millions of people who are already facing dangerous levels of hunger due to years of drought in parts of Africa and the pressure of the war in Iran on food prices.
The United Nations World Food Programme warned on Wednesday that even if the predicted El Nino remains weaker than some models expect, it will still push many countries to the brink.
It is stated that this event will add more than 20 percent to the 225 million people currently suffering from acute food shortages in 45 countries.
According to the analysis, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Southern Africa are expected to be the most affected. Less rainfall than normal is expected in South and Southeast Asia, which will cause serious problems for agriculture and farmers.
Could be the strongest in the last 70 years
El Nino, a weather system that develops every few years in the Pacific Ocean and changes the amount of precipitation globally, is expected to reach its strongest level in the last 70 years.
It was emphasized that its effects and intensity are strongly influenced by the climate crisis.
Experts noted that a strong El Nino and global warming could push this year, and more likely 2027, to record levels.
The report published by the World Food Programme is the first to closely examine global hunger. The organization stated that it aims to mitigate the effects of extreme weather conditions with early warning systems and preventive aid efforts, for which a budget of at least 80 million dollars has been allocated.
It was reported that the main planting season in Southern Africa will last from October of this year to March 2027, but the most severe effects will be felt during the post-harvest hunger period.
Organization officials stated that the greatest food security impact will be experienced in Southern Africa during the 2027-2028 hunger season.
It was noted that farmers may be somewhat protected from the effects of last year’s abundant harvest. It was noted that the war in the Middle East is putting upward pressure on food prices.
During the El-Nino period in 2015-2016, approximately 60 to 100 million people suffered from acute food insecurity. Experts hope that even if this year’s extreme weather conditions are more severe, they will have less impact due to preventive measures.
The analysis covered 45 countries where the World Food Programme operates and has food security data, and it was stated that additional effects could be observed outside these areas. The importance of preventing major exporting countries from stopping food exports was emphasized.
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