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Africa facing up to $20 billion economic hit from 'super' El Niño, AfDB climate chief warns

Africa facing up to $20 billion economic hit from 'super' El Niño, AfDB climate chief warns

By Simon Jessop and Marc Jones LONDON, July 26 (Reuters) - An impending "super" El Niño is likely to inflict a combined $10 billion to $20 billion hit on affected African countries and trigger mass migration from hard-hit areas, the African Development Bank's top climate expert told Reuters.
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El Niño Phenomenon Predicted to Intensify, Impacting Global Weather Patterns

El Niño Phenomenon Predicted to Intensify, Impacting Global Weather Patterns

The El Niño weather phenomenon, currently developing in the Pacific Ocean, is expected to become one of the strongest on record, according to climate researchers. This event is anticipated to cause significant temperature increases, leading to severe droughts in Southern Africa and heavy rains and flooding in Eastern Africa. The African Development Bank has highlighted the potential for massive agricultural disruptions, particularly in countries like Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia, where maize prices could double, leading to food insecurity and mass migration. The phenomenon is also expected to exacerbate existing drought conditions in the United States, potentially leading to a 'mini Dust Bowl' scenario.
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African Development Bank Warns of Economic Impact from Powerful El Niño on Africa

African Development Bank Warns of Economic Impact from Powerful El Niño on Africa

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has issued a warning regarding the potential economic impact of an unusually strong El Niño weather event on Africa. This natural climate pattern, characterized by unusually warm waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, is expected to disrupt global weather systems, leading to severe droughts in Southern Africa and heavy rains in East Africa. The AfDB estimates that the economic fallout could result in a loss of $10 billion to $20 billion across the continent, affecting agriculture, infrastructure, and economic growth. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has noted that the current El Niño is strengthening rapidly and could peak between late 2026 and early 2027. This development poses a significant threat to Africa's economic recovery, which was projected to grow by 4.2% in 2026 and 4.4% in 2027.
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European shares inch up as earnings boost counters banks, tech slide

European shares inch up as earnings boost counters banks, tech slide

By Purvi Agarwal and Tharuniyaa Lakshmi July 28 (Reuters) - European shares rose for a third day on Tuesday, led by consumer-focused stocks after strong results from Unilever, which helped offset declines in heavyweight banks and technology shares.
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AvalonBay Communities Receives 'Hold' Rating Amid Analyst Reviews

AvalonBay Communities Receives 'Hold' Rating Amid Analyst Reviews

AvalonBay Communities Receives 'Hold' Rating Amid Analyst Reviews
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Historic El Niño Event Predicted to Intensify Global Weather Extremes

Historic El Niño Event Predicted to Intensify Global Weather Extremes

A coalition of scientists, meteorologists, and public figures has issued a warning about an impending El Niño event that could be the most severe in recorded history. According to the group, ocean temperatures in the central eastern Pacific are expected to rise by 5-7.5°F (3-4°C) within the next 3-5 months, peaking in October 2026. This warming will exacerbate already record-high global sea and air temperatures, potentially leading to catastrophic weather events. The group highlights the risk of increased flooding, wildfires, storms, droughts, deadly heatwaves, and disruptions to food supply chains and power grids. The previous strongest El Niño, recorded in 1877, resulted in 40 million deaths worldwide due to famine, and this upcoming event is projected to be even stronger.
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UN Agencies Warn of Fragile Humanitarian Gains in Gaza Amidst Ongoing Crisis

UN Agencies Warn of Fragile Humanitarian Gains in Gaza Amidst Ongoing Crisis

UNICEF, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), and the World Food Programme have issued warnings about the fragile state of humanitarian gains in Gaza. Despite some improvements in food security and nutrition levels following the October 2025 ceasefire, these gains are at risk without continuous aid and investment. The Kerem Shalom/Abu Salem crossing remains the only open route for humanitarian assistance, limiting the flow of essential supplies. The UN reports that 67% of Gaza's population is experiencing crisis-level food insecurity. Additionally, access to cooking fuel is severely restricted, leading to domestic fires as families resort to burning waste for cooking. The humanitarian situation is compounded by violence, funding gaps, and access restrictions, which have created unprecedented needs in water, healthcare, education, and shelter.
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Barclays Faces Calls for Increased Taxation Amid Rising Profits

Barclays Faces Calls for Increased Taxation Amid Rising Profits

Barclays Faces Calls for Increased Taxation Amid Rising Profits
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UN Report Highlights Severe Food Insecurity in Ethiopia Amid Ongoing Challenges

UN Report Highlights Severe Food Insecurity in Ethiopia Amid Ongoing Challenges

A new United Nations report reveals that 79.4 million Ethiopians are facing food insecurity, with nearly 92 million unable to afford a healthy diet. The report, prepared by multiple UN agencies, highlights the worsening food crisis in Ethiopia, exacerbated by displacement, gaps in humanitarian assistance, and challenges linked to the unfinished peace process in the Tigray region. The exclusion of Tigray from the data likely understates the national situation, as many in the region continue to face severe food shortages. The report underscores the growing challenge of food affordability, with the cost of a healthy diet in Ethiopia being higher than in neighboring countries.
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Africa facing $10-$20 billion economic hit from 'super' El Niño, AfDB climate chief warns

Africa facing $10-$20 billion economic hit from 'super' El Niño, AfDB climate chief warns

By Simon Jessop and Marc Jones LONDON, July 26 (Reuters) - An impending "super" El Niño is likely to inflict a combined $10 billion to $20 billion hit on affected African countries and trigger mass migration from hard-hit areas, the African Development Bank's top climate expert told Reuters.
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El Niño's Intensifying Impact Raises Global Climate Concerns

El Niño's Intensifying Impact Raises Global Climate Concerns

The current El Niño event is setting unprecedented records for sea surface temperatures in the Pacific, with scientists predicting it could become the strongest on record. This natural climate pattern, which involves the warming of seawater, is expected to significantly influence global weather patterns over the next 12 to 18 months. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reported that water temperatures in the El Niño region have reached unprecedented levels for July. The phenomenon is anticipated to exacerbate global temperatures, potentially making 2026 the warmest year on record. The event is already affecting the U.S., with unusual heat and humidity in California and a suppression of Atlantic hurricane activity.
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Famine Early Warning Systems Network Projects 16 Million Nigerians to Face Acute Hunger by 2027

Famine Early Warning Systems Network Projects 16 Million Nigerians to Face Acute Hunger by 2027

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) has projected that by January 2027, between 16.0 million and 16.99 million Nigerians will face acute hunger. This projection is part of a broader report highlighting the deepening hunger crisis in conflict and climate-affected regions, including Nigeria. The report places Nigeria fourth globally in terms of the number of people facing hunger, following Sudan, Pakistan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The crisis in Nigeria is primarily driven by conflict, economic hardship, and adverse weather conditions, which disrupt livelihoods and restrict agricultural activities. Despite an expected main harvest in December, staple food prices are anticipated to remain high due to production and supply disruptions.