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
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Credits and Sponsor: Capital One VentureX
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