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El Niño, War Fuel Global Hunger Crisis
12 Jun
Summary
- El Niño and conflict prices could cause global hunger crisis by year-end.
- Millions face urgent food assistance in 26 vulnerable countries.
- Humanitarian aid funding has dropped significantly in recent years.
A confluence of El Niño's extreme weather and economic shocks from ongoing conflicts is poised to trigger a severe global hunger crisis by the end of 2026. Meteorologists have confirmed the arrival of El Niño, a climate pattern known for intensifying weather events, while shipping disruptions and increased fuel and fertilizer prices, exacerbated by regional conflicts, are driving up food costs.
This dual impact threatens to push an estimated 115 to 125 million people across 26 vulnerable nations into needing urgent food assistance. Countries like Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan are identified as particularly at risk of famine, facing severe food insecurity. Humanitarian organizations are struggling due to a significant drop in international aid funding, with the U.S. cutting its aid budget by over half.
