The Hidden Costs of El Niño

Guest: Dr. Justin Mankin

When we hear the words El Niño, most of us think about shifting weather patterns—changes in rainfall, warmer winters, or an active hurricane season. But what if one climate pattern could influence far more than the forecast? What if its impacts could ripple through the global economy for years after the event itself has ended? Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by climate scientist Dr. Justin Mankin, whose research explores the intersection of climate, weather, and society. His groundbreaking 2023 study examined how El Niño doesn't just shape weather around the globe—it can also leave lasting economic consequences that affect countries, industries, and communities long after the atmosphere returns to normal. We'll discuss what the research revealed, why the effects of El Niño can persist for years, and how a changing climate could influence the risks associated with future events. It's a fascinating look at how one of Earth's most familiar climate patterns can have impacts that extend well beyond the weather map.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to El Nino and its Global Impact
2. 01:57 Justin Mankin's Background and Climate Science Journey
3. 05:01 Research Focus: El Nino and Economic Consequences
4. 08:06 Methodology: Using Observations and Causal Inference
5. 11:50 Global Teleconnections and Regional Impacts of El Nino
6. 16:07 Economic Toll of Past Major El Nino Events
7. 21:49 Future El Nino Events and Economic Projections
8. 22:47 Break 1
9. 22:52 Regional Variations in El Nino's Economic Effects
10. 35:00 Climate Change, El Nino, and Warming Trends
11. 35:16 Break 2
12. 35:17 Applying Research to Future Climate Resilience Strategies

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