World: United Nations: Latin America and the Caribbean faces increased food insecurity risks due to El Niño

Country: World Sources: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, World Food Programme At a high-level roundtable, the agencies discussed early action measures, preparedness, and resilience-building efforts to address extreme climate events. Despite progress made in recent years, more than 33 million people still suffer from hunger, 167 million face moderate or severe food insecurity, and over 181 million cannot afford a healthy diet in the region. In addition, the Americas account for 22 percent of global agricultural disaster losses, estimated at USD 713 billion. El Niño could push more families into vulnerability by triggering drought conditions in Central America’s Dry Corridor and disrupting rainfall and temperature patterns across the region. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) estimates the probability of this phenomenon at between 70 and 80 percent, with peak intensity expected toward the end of the year. The agencies also warned that high international prices for fuel, fertilizers and food could further worsen the situation by reducing households’ purchasing power and increasing pressure on social protection systems and humanitarian responses. The panel opened with a presentation by Julian Báez, Director of the World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) Regional Office for the Americas, who highlighted that the phenomenon is expected to have moderate to severe consequences. The projected impacts include increased rainfall in South America, which could lead to flooding, as well as rainfall deficits in Central and North America. Staying one step ahead Preparedness matters because budgets are shrinking, while climate-driven humanitarian needs, and potentially those linked to El Niño in the coming months, are increasing worldwide. Supporting governments and communities to r...

Original source: Relief Web