Stronger swings in the Pacific
El Niño events have become nearly 40% stronger since the preindustrial era, according to a new study. Scientists analyzed coral from the Galápagos Islands to reconstruct how the climate pattern has changed over centuries.
El Niño is a natural cycle in the tropical Pacific. Every few years, warm water spreads across the ocean, shifting weather around the globe. Some regions get floods, others get drought, and global temperatures tend to rise.
What the coral shows
Coral skeletons record ocean conditions year by year. The chemistry of the coral captures past sea surface temperatures, giving researchers a long history of El Niño strength. Comparing modern records with centuries-old coral reveals a clear trend.
The study finds that the strongest El Niño events now reach levels unseen in the historical record. The authors say burning fossil fuels is the main driver, because warmer oceans feed more energy into the natural cycle.
Why it matters
Stronger El Niño events mean more extreme weather. Farmers in Asia and South America face bigger swings between drought and flood. Coastal communities cope with heavier rains, while other regions bake in record heat.
Scientists say the trend is likely to continue as the planet warms. They call for better early-warning systems and stronger preparation in the regions most affected by El Niño, so that the next big event does not catch the world by surprise.