El Niño events are becoming more intense due to human-driven climate change, significantly increasing the frequency of extreme weather such as floods, droughts, and wildfires. Climate scientist Julia Cole, chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan, provides evidence for this trend by analyzing geochemical records preserved in long-lived corals from the Galapagos Islands. These records reveal that El Niño variability has increased by 36% over the last 40 to 50 years compared to pre-industrial periods, mirroring the rise in global temperatures. While internal climate variability remains a factor, the intensification of these events poses severe risks to ecosystems, such as frequent coral bleaching, and threatens global infrastructure. Adapting to these heightened risks requires localized community preparation, including improved drainage and fire-hardening, as the world faces a more volatile climate future.
Sign in to continue reading, translating and more.
Open full episode in Podwise