The head of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) warns at COP31 talks that countries should move quickly to cushion the impacts of an exceptionally strong El Niño. UNDP chief Alexander De Croo tells reporters in Antalya that “hedging” the effects would cost $36 billion if done now, compared with $73 billion if action is delayed.
El Niño, which occurs every two to seven years, heats Pacific Ocean waters and disrupts global rainfall and wind patterns, with knock-on effects for economies and livelihoods. De Croo says not acting amounts to “the most expensive climate policy” and urges major stakeholders, including the International Monetary Fund, to help finance adaptation in vulnerable developing nations. He also points to multiple compounding crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, alongside other regional shocks.
Outlets also reference estimates of potential damage and broader economic pressures. While the core message is consistent across reports—advance support now to reduce later costs—coverage differs in how much detail each outlet provides on affected regions and on the wider financing debate underway at the conference.
