In the News
El Niño is getting stronger. That could cost the global economy trillions
A new study found some of the most intense past El Niño events cost the global economy more than $4 trillion over the following years. Mike McPhaden, a senior scientist at NOAA and who was not involved in the research, said the study was “very insightful and provocative.”
El Ninos are far costlier than once thought, in the trillions, study says -- and one’s brewing now
The natural burst of El Nino warming that changes weather worldwide is far costlier with longer-lasting expenses than experts had thought, averaging trillions of dollars in damage, a new study found. Mike McPhaden is quoted.
El Niño is looming. Here’s what that means for weather and the world.
Earth is under an “El Niño watch” as scientists eye signs that the climate pattern is developing. Its arrival could mean significant impacts worldwide, including a push toward levels of global warming that climate scientists have warned could be devastating. Mike McPhaden is quoted.
What an ominous surge in ocean temperatures means for the planet
Researchers say one reason for the recent spike is the possible onset of an El Niño climate pattern. But, one scientist adds, "The real issue is the rising greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, which are going up and up and up.” Mike McPhaden is quoted.
Climate models warn of possible ‘super El Niño’ before end of year
Climate models around the globe continue to warn of a potential El Niño developing later this year – a pattern of ocean warming in the Pacific that can increase the risk of catastrophic weather events around the globe. Mike McPhaden is quoted.