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El Niño Is Back. And Worse Than Ever.

Aug 19, 2026 · 23m

Summary

Host Michael Barbaro speaks with climate reporter Chico Harlan about a historic Super El Niño brewing in the Pacific, which could be the strongest since 1950. They explain the phenomenon’s mechanics, its historical impacts, and current global consequences like droughts in Africa and India. The discussion highlights how climate change amplifies these effects, potentially making 2027 the hottest year on record.

Topics discussed

Sponsor: The Bear Season 4 Introduction: Super El Nino brewing in the Pacific Defining El Nino and the 'Super' threshold How ocean winds and temperatures drive global climate shifts Historical impacts: From Spanish colonists to the 1877 famine Why this year's El Nino is historically severe Sponsors: Capital One, Love Story, Schwab Current global impacts: Droughts in Panama, Africa, and India Food security concerns and agricultural resilience Record-breaking heat expected in 2027 The debate: Is climate change intensifying El Nino? El Nino as a preview of future climate norms Sponsors: NYT App, Capital One, Love Story, Schwab Angie Dixon wins Florida Senate Democratic primary Trump administration plans to open forests to logging Credits and Sponsor: Capital One VentureX
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