World
UN warns El Nino is going 'off the charts', 50 million at risk of hunger
The UN said the current El Nino could be the strongest on record and warned up to 50 million people could face more hunger without urgent action.
Climate
Climate: 4 The Indus Compass stories. Latest: UN warns El Nino is going 'off the charts', 50 million at risk of hunger. Key developments, background and…
4 stories on climate since 28 September 2026; the latest was published on 21 October 2026.
Key developments
- UN warns El Nino is going 'off the charts', 50 million at risk of hungerThe WMO said the El Nino could be 'unprecedented in strength', with Pacific sea temperatures up to 3.8C above average.
- Global deforestation slows but Congo Basin losses soar, study findsSeven million hectares of forest were destroyed in 2025, a 15 percent fall from the year before.
- Bangkok floodwaters recede after 320mm of rain as Thai Airways battles baggage chaosBangkok was hit by about 320mm of rain in two to three days. Floods affected 1,267 businesses, and Thai Airways called in the air force to clear a baggage backlog.
- Trump administration to cut US fuel economy standards as petrol prices climbNew US mileage rules would cut the 2031 fleet target to about 34.5mpg from 50.4mpg. The White House says cars will be cheaper; critics warn of higher fuel bills.
Africa
Global deforestation slows but Congo Basin losses soar, study finds
Forest loss fell 15pc in 2025 but the Congo Basin lost 2.4m hectares, a study found, as UN chief Guterres warned the world was off track on nature targets.
Asia
Bangkok floodwaters recede after 320mm of rain as Thai Airways battles baggage chaos
Bangkok was hit by about 320mm of rain in two to three days. Floods affected 1,267 businesses, and Thai Airways called in the air force to clear a baggage backlog.
Americas
Trump administration to cut US fuel economy standards as petrol prices climb
New US mileage rules would cut the 2031 fleet target to about 34.5mpg from 50.4mpg. The White House says cars will be cheaper; critics warn of higher fuel bills.