The United Nations is preparing to release up to US$100 million in emergency funding as forecasts indicate the next El Niño will be more severe than the 2023-24 event that left tens of millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher warned that “El Niño is back.”
“Extreme heat, droughts and floods are once again set to devastate communities across Latin America, Eastern and Southern Africa, Asia and the Pacific,” “he said in a statement.
He said the previous El Niño left tens of millions of people requiring food, nutrition, water, sanitation, health, agricultural support and protection.
“The forecasts are clear: this one looks even worse. It comes on top of widespread conflict, rising numbers of people on the move, and as soaring fuel, fertilizer and food prices are squeezing the most vulnerable families – while the humanitarian system reels from deep cuts.”
Fletcher said the UN is prepared to release up to US$100 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support early action.
“We are ready to disburse up to US$100m from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to get ahead of this El Niño,” he said.
He said more than US$20 million has already been allocated for anticipatory action in six countries and that CERF’s Climate Action Account is investing in vulnerable communities to help them withstand future climate shocks.
“In support of that response, we are planning, implementing the lessons from the past, innovating, coordinating the humanitarian community and taking action. Our preparations are shaped by more sophisticated forecasts.
More than US$20 million has already been allocated for anticipatory action in six countries. Through CERF’s Climate Action Account, we are investing in vulnerable communities to better withstand the climate shocks ahead,” he said.
Fletcher called for increased early and flexible financing, greater efforts to resolve conflicts, support for displaced communities and stronger action on climate change.
“We need early, flexible financing – more effective and less costly in the long run – to match the scale of the risk. We ask for the world to prioritise conflict resolution and support to communities forced to flee. And we urge braver climate action in place of the short term and selfish decisions that are pushing us relentlessly towards the 1.5°C warming cliff edge.
“The choice is clear: we can wait for disaster, or we can invest in resilience,” he said.
