Comment on El Niño declaration

“It never rains, but it pours – on top of worsening climate impacts in all parts of the world, El Niño’s arrival intensifies and amplifies heating, rainfall and other extremes.

“And it’s not just about the effect it might have here in the UK. We import half our food – half of that comes from parts of the world most vulnerable to climate impacts. Not only are many of those commodities things we can’t simply grow here, but our own staples – things like carrots and parsnips – saw yields fall after last year’s extreme heat and drought.

“Deep and rapid emissions cuts to get to net zero by mid-century is the only certain way to stop climate change worsening, and impacts intensifying. And, given the scale of damage already done at 1.1°C, help to the poorest and most vulnerable nations to adapt to the changes we’ve already caused can help protect our food supplies, and the livelihoods of the people that grow them. The price-tag for doing both these things is much lower than the cost of doing nothing.”