What Happened
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared the start of El Niño, a natural weather phenomenon that can raise global heat and bring "domino weather effects" across the planet. The Japanese Meteorological Administration also identified the start of El Niño, expecting it to intensify in the coming months and persist into at least December. This development comes as the world is already experiencing record heat, with many forecasts suggesting that this could end up as a "super" El Niño, bringing another record-hot year in 2027.
Why It Matters
The consequences of climate change are being felt across the globe, with Americans bearing the costs of more extreme flooding, fires, and heat. A recent paper found that families are paying between $400 and $900 more each year due to the effects of climate change, with the costs above $1,300 in the 10 percent hardest-hit counties. The annual inflation rate in the US reached 4.2 percent in May, the highest rate in three years, partly due to the impacts of climate change.
What Experts Say
"What's striking is that already, households are bearing serious costs," said Kimberly Clausing, a law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. "Families are paying more for food, housing, and other necessities due to the effects of climate change."
Key Numbers
- **42%: The percentage of the world's solar-power growth in Asia since 2020.
- **1,727 TWh: The amount of electricity generated by solar power in Asia in the 12 months to April 2026.
- ****$400-$900:** The estimated annual cost of climate change to American families.
- **4.2%: The annual inflation rate in the US in May, the highest rate in three years.
Background
Despite record growth in renewable energy, China is still betting on coal, with its coal power output rising in early 2026. This development has fueled concerns that last year's drop in power-sector emissions may be temporary.
What Comes Next
As the world navigates the challenges of climate change, it is clear that a shift towards renewable energy is necessary. Asia's rapid expansion of solar power is a promising development, but more needs to be done to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. The implications of El Niño and climate change will continue to be felt in the coming months and years, making it essential to prioritize sustainability and take action to mitigate its effects.
Key Facts
- Who: The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Japanese Meteorological Administration
- What: Declared the start of El Niño
- When: June 2026
- Where: Global
- Impact: Expected to bring record heat and "domino weather effects" across the planet
What Happened
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared the start of El Niño, a natural weather phenomenon that can raise global heat and bring "domino weather effects" across the planet. The Japanese Meteorological Administration also identified the start of El Niño, expecting it to intensify in the coming months and persist into at least December. This development comes as the world is already experiencing record heat, with many forecasts suggesting that this could end up as a "super" El Niño, bringing another record-hot year in 2027.
Why It Matters
The consequences of climate change are being felt across the globe, with Americans bearing the costs of more extreme flooding, fires, and heat. A recent paper found that families are paying between $400 and $900 more each year due to the effects of climate change, with the costs above $1,300 in the 10 percent hardest-hit counties. The annual inflation rate in the US reached 4.2 percent in May, the highest rate in three years, partly due to the impacts of climate change.
What Experts Say
"What's striking is that already, households are bearing serious costs," said Kimberly Clausing, a law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. "Families are paying more for food, housing, and other necessities due to the effects of climate change."
Key Numbers
- **42%: The percentage of the world's solar-power growth in Asia since 2020.
- **1,727 TWh: The amount of electricity generated by solar power in Asia in the 12 months to April 2026.
- ****$400-$900:** The estimated annual cost of climate change to American families.
- **4.2%: The annual inflation rate in the US in May, the highest rate in three years.
Background
Despite record growth in renewable energy, China is still betting on coal, with its coal power output rising in early 2026. This development has fueled concerns that last year's drop in power-sector emissions may be temporary.
What Comes Next
As the world navigates the challenges of climate change, it is clear that a shift towards renewable energy is necessary. Asia's rapid expansion of solar power is a promising development, but more needs to be done to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. The implications of El Niño and climate change will continue to be felt in the coming months and years, making it essential to prioritize sustainability and take action to mitigate its effects.
Key Facts
- Who: The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Japanese Meteorological Administration
- What: Declared the start of El Niño
- When: June 2026
- Where: Global
- Impact: Expected to bring record heat and "domino weather effects" across the planet