From The Rio Times · Valentina Gómez · · 1m 40s
El Niño Heat Deaths Surge
Strong El Niño linked to 107,035 extra heat deaths yearly worldwide.
In brief
Strong El Niño linked to 107,035 extra heat deaths yearly worldwide. Very strong El Niño years cause 107,035 more heat deaths annually globally, with South America hit hardest in percentage terms. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
El Niño and Heat Deaths
Strong El Niño shifts global heat and rain patterns, increasing heat deaths worldwide.
Study Finds 107,035 Extra Heat Deaths
A Nature Medicine study links very strong El Niño years to 107,035 additional heat deaths annually.
South America Most Affected
South America sees 76.13% rise in heat deaths during very strong El Niño years.
Inequality in Impact
Countries with low and medium UN human development scores hold 42.16% of people but 67.65% of added heat deaths.
Cold Deaths Offset Heat Deaths
Very strong El Niño years bring 112,681 fewer cold-related deaths annually, partially offsetting heat deaths.
Study Limitations
The study uses past data and cannot predict deaths in the ongoing 2026-2027 El Niño event.
Preparation Efforts
Peru has budgeted money to prepare for potential heat deaths during the 2026-2027 El Niño.
Regional Impact Variations
Small island developing states face 65.93% rise in heat deaths during very strong El Niño years.
Data Coverage Gaps
Mortality records unavailable for one third of countries, mostly poorer nations.
Study Authors
ISGlobal researchers led the study, covering 1980 to 2023 with data from 1,667 regions in 125 countries.
El Niño Definition
El Niño is a periodic warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean that shifts rain and heat globally.
The key point
Very strong El Niño years cause 107,035 more heat deaths annually globally, with South America hit hardest in percentage terms.
