El Nino intensifying due to climate change
Analysis based on 39 articles · First reported Aug 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 29, 2026
The study highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of El Niño–Southern Oscillation events, which can disrupt global agriculture, energy demand, and insurance markets, potentially leading to higher commodity prices and economic losses. It may also accelerate policy shifts toward renewable energy and climate adaptation investments, affecting fossil fuel and clean energy sectors.
A new study published in the journal Science on August 28, 2026, reveals that El Niño–Southern Oscillation events are intensifying due to human-caused climate change. Led by Julia Cole of the University of Michigan, the research analyzed coral skeletons from the Ecuador — Galápagos Islands spanning over 900 years. The findings show that El Niño–Southern Oscillation strength has increased by more than 36% since the pre-industrial era, with a 16% jump in the last 40 years, indicating an accelerating trend. The study comes as a current El Niño–Southern Oscillation is forecast to become the strongest on record, with weekly temperatures reaching 2.7 degrees Celsius above normal. Scientists attribute the intensification to rising global temperatures from fossil fuel burning, though some researchers, including Michael Mann and John Bruno, dispute the findings, citing conflicting recent observations. The study underscores the growing risks of extreme weather events, droughts, floods, and economic damages, and reinforces the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels.
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