El Niño’s seasonal warming of the Pacific Ocean could trigger a global food crisis by sparking droughts and floods that threaten crops worldwide, New Scientist reports. The phenomenon, which alters weather patterns across the globe, can leave some regions parched while others experience intense rainfall.

During an El Niño event, the ocean surface temperature in the central and eastern Pacific rises, disrupting the normal distribution of atmospheric circulation. This shift can push the jet stream northward or southward, creating abnormal weather in distant lands. In some areas, the resulting drought can reduce soil moisture and water availability for irrigation, while in others, heavy rains can overwhelm fields, damage harvests, and cause soil erosion.

These climate swings pose a direct threat to food production. If staple crops such as wheat, maize, and rice suffer yield losses, global markets may see price spikes that can tighten food security for vulnerable populations. In addition, the risk of famine increases when food supplies are already stretched thin by other economic or political pressures. The New Scientist analysis notes that the combination of crop failure and higher prices can create a feedback loop that exacerbates hunger and social instability.

Addressing this looming risk will require coordinated action from governments, international organizations, and the private sector. Strengthening climate‑resilient agriculture—through drought‑tolerant crop varieties, improved irrigation infrastructure, and better flood management—can help mitigate the impact of El Niño. Meanwhile, early warning systems and market safeguards can reduce the vulnerability of food‑dependent communities. As the world watches the next El Niño cycle, the stakes for global food security remain high, and timely, science‑based interventions will be crucial to prevent a worldwide crisis.