Context:
Recent studies indicate that changes in the El Niño–La Niña cycle, combined with global warming, have contributed to significant temperature spikes observed since 2023.
Key Highlights:
- Climate Pattern Shift
- The world experienced an unusual “triple-dip La Niña” from 2020 to 2023.
- This was followed by a transition to El Niño, causing rapid temperature increases.
- Updated Climate Classification
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has updated El Niño/La Niña classification methods to reflect changing climate patterns.
- Rising Global Temperatures
- Global average monthly temperatures began rising from early 2023 through 2025.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- El Niño
- Periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
- Alters global weather patterns, often causing droughts or floods.
- La Niña
- Cooling of equatorial Pacific Ocean waters, producing opposite climatic effects to El Niño.
- Triple-Dip La Niña
- Rare phenomenon where La Niña persists for three consecutive years.
- Earth’s Energy Imbalance
- Difference between solar energy absorbed by Earth and energy radiated back into space.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Climate Change Linkages
- Long-term greenhouse gas emissions contribute significantly to global warming.
- The El Niño–La Niña cycle amplifies temperature variability.
- Contribution to Temperature Rise
- About 23% of energy imbalance during recent warming came from the prolonged La Niña phase.
- More than half of the warming is attributed to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Environmental Impacts
- Increased heatwaves, extreme rainfall, and drought events globally.
- Disruptions to agriculture, fisheries, and water resources.
- Way Forward
- Strengthen climate monitoring and early warning systems.
- Enhance global climate mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Improve climate-resilient agriculture and disaster preparedness.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS Paper I: Physical geography and climatic phenomena.
- GS Paper III: Climate change and environmental sustainability.