El Niño is starting to go from abstraction to powerfully felt weather pattern all around the world. 

Droughts and hot temperatures in Australia, Southeast Asia and India are causing crop yields to drop and food shortages. In the US and South America, on the other hand, warmer temperatures and higher rainfall have benefitted farmers. 

Up to a point. When rainfall becomes too extreme, problems start to occur. 

In 4 countries in South America--Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina--extreme rainfall over the past week has led to extreme flooding. More than 160,000 people have fled their homes and several have died. 

Power shortages, displacement and the general mayhem is costing the countries millions in unexpected disaster relief. And life has ground to a halt for those affected. Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina are all currenty facing some sort of political transition or turmoil, which may make confronting the fallout of the flood more difficult. And in Paraguay, where the majority of displaced people are, this is the worst flood in decades.

Here a glimpse at the flood's impact: 

Underlying the worst El Nino in 15 years is the inexorable march of climate change. As temperatures climb around the world, as the oceans absorb more carbon and heat, and as ecosystems are destroyed, weather will become more volatile and countries will become more susceptible.

This year's freakish weather may be a taste of what's to come. Or it could be a rallying call for countries to get serious about climate change. A few weeks ago, world leaders made historic commitments at COP21. Now it's time for them to execute their pledges so that the worst of climate change is avoided. 

You can go to TAKE ACTION NOW to make the Global Goals, which call for strong environmental action, your new year's resolution.

TopicsEnvironmentbrazilweatherUruguayArgentinaFloodSouth AmericaParaguayEl Nino

Editorial

Defend the Planet

The flood that's displacing hundreds of thousands in South America

By Joe McCarthy