UN Warns El Niño Could Push 49 Million More People Into Acute Hunger Crisis

UN Warns El Niño Could Push 49 Million More People Into Acute Hunger Crisis
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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that the intensification of the climate phenomenon known as El Niño could worsen global food insecurity and expose millions of additional people to acute hunger.

According to a statement attributed to the WFP, the effects of El Niño through the end of 2027 could place up to 49 million more people at risk of acute food insecurity, particularly in vulnerable countries already facing economic hardship, conflict and climate-related challenges.

The report cited assessments presented by WFP Acting Executive Director Carl Skau, warning that more than 45 vulnerable countries could be affected by climate-related disruptions, including droughts, floods and agricultural losses.

However, the specific figures and timeline mentioned in the original claim — including the increase from 225 million to 274 million people and the reference to El Niño impacts extending until the end of 2027 — require confirmation from the latest WFP reports and official publications. Previous WFP assessments have linked El Niño events to increased food insecurity risks, but projections vary depending on climate forecasts, conflict conditions and humanitarian funding levels.

The WFP has repeatedly warned that extreme weather events, combined with conflict and economic instability, are placing additional pressure on global food systems and threatening the livelihoods of millions of vulnerable communities.