Record temperatures and a strong El Niño are worsening drought conditions across several regions, threatening crop production, increasing food prices and raising concerns over food security, climate campaigners have warned.
Climate advocacy group 350.org urged governments to act quickly to protect farmers and vulnerable communities and mobilize funding through higher taxes on fossil-fuel profits.
The warning comes as the world’s major oil and gas companies reportedly earned about $93 billion in combined second-quarter profits, while the United Nations has warned that around 50 million people could face acute hunger amid an exceptionally strong El Niño intensified by climate change.
“Global heating is supercharging extreme weather damage, and the public wants polluters to pay,” said Anne Jellema, executive director of 350.org She called for fossil-fuel companies to contribute more to address the growing humanitarian risks.
The Caribbean is experiencing moderate to severe drought in many areas, with conditions expected to persist into early 2027. In Puerto Rico, drought and extreme heat have already reduced agricultural output and fishing catches, while food prices are rising.
Indonesia is also facing widespread water shortages, with nearly 93% of the country recording below-normal rainfall by mid-July and drought reported in almost 500 locations. Authorities have also reported increased forest fires ahead of the country’s main wildfire season.
In the UK, farmers are facing severe crop losses as a heatwave affects parts of Europe, raising concerns about shortages of some food products.
East Africa is also experiencing severe impacts. Uganda’s worst drought in decades has contributed to deaths and a growing food crisis, while meteorologists are warning of potentially severe flooding in the region later this year.
350.org called for stronger early-warning systems, greater support for affected farming communities and windfall taxes on fossil-fuel companies to help finance climate adaptation and a just energy transition.
