Ecologists urge scientists and policymakers to study imminent ‘Super’ El Niño to prepare for the future
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Climate change & international agreements· Prelims + Mains·
Climate change and monsoon variability: a key GS3 Environment and Disaster Management case study.
Why in news
A group of 188 Indian scientists and ecologists published an appeal urging researchers to prepare for a 'Super' El Niño event expected to cause extreme heat and drought.
Background
Pacific Ocean temperatures reached +2.6°C above normal in August 2026, with projections of anomalies up to +4°C. These levels are reported to be higher than any time in the past 1,000 years based on coral core reconstructions.
Facts for Prelims
- FactPacific Ocean temperature reached +2.6°C above normal in August 2026
- FactProjected El Niño anomalies of up to +4°C
- PlaceEl Niño originates in the Pacific Ocean
- S&TCoral core reconstructions used to determine historical temperature anomalies
Prelims practice question
Which scientific method is used to determine historical temperature anomalies over the past 1,000 years?
- (a)Paleo-sediment analysis
- (b)Coral core reconstructions
- (c)Ice core sampling
- (d)Satellite imagery
Show answer
Answer: (b) Coral core reconstructions — The note mentions coral core reconstructions were used to determine historical temperature anomalies.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the impact of extreme El Niño events on India's monsoon patterns and suggest measures to mitigate the resulting agricultural and heat-related risks.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Monsoon variability: Reduced rainfall and erratic precipitation patterns affecting agricultural productivity
- Heat stress management: Need for urban and rural heat-action plans to counter extreme temperature anomalies
- Data-driven adaptation: Utilizing coral core reconstructions and climate modeling for long-term disaster preparedness
Keywords: El Niño · Climate Resilience · Monsoon Variability · Coral Core Reconstruction · Climate Adaptation
More Environment & Ecology notes
- Keralam to argue for restricting ESA to 98 villages and 8,590.69 sq km · 21 September 2026
- NHAI, Forest Department efforts provide Pichavaram another 25 h.a. of mangroves · 21 September 2026
- 1,000 Acres Of Delhi's Southern Ridge Set To Get Reserved Forest Status · 20 September 2026
- CAQM Steps Up Inspections, Seals Non-compliant Generators in Nuh · 17 September 2026
- During a hearing at the National Green Tribunal, the Tamil Nadu government · 17 September 2026
- Researchers at Northumbria University, supported by NASA, found that Greenland and Antarctica · 17 September 2026
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.