What to know

• The consequences of the searing heat caused by the current El Nino period will cause a staggering number of additional deaths worldwide, researchers calculate.S1
• The heaviest toll is expected in poorer countries, already struggling with food insecurity and high energy costs, partly due to climate change and the fallout of the war in Iran, the University of Chicago-based Climate Impact Lab saysS2
• A powerful El Nino and record global heat could cause nearly half a million additional heat-related deaths worldwide by February 2027, with poorer countries expected to face the heaviest toll.S3