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El Niños Are Predictable. We Should Prepare for Their Consequences.

Gordon McCord’s NYT highlights the predictable nature of the weather phenomenon known as El Niño and its potentially disastrous consequences for various regions worldwide. They emphasize its impact on global temperatures, precipitation patterns, and the subsequent threats it poses to human health, food systems, and vulnerable populations, particularly children. With a focus on the implications for nutrition and undernourishment, the authors provide compelling data on the correlation between El Niño conditions and increased child undernutrition across the global tropics. They underscore the urgent need for coordinated global action and preparedness to mitigate the adverse effects of El Niño, stressing the importance of using advanced forecasting to target assistance and prevent widespread hunger and suffering. The authors call for a transformative shift in international approaches to address the challenges posed by El Niño, urging better coordination and resource allocation among aid organizations and governments to confront both current and future climate crises. Overall, the essay serves as a powerful plea for proactive measures and collective responsibility in safeguarding the well-being of communities impacted by the predictable repercussions of climate change.