Researchers are still not sure how global warming will affect the El Niño/La Niña cycle.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not enough data
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (B)

Global warming changes the Pacific climate system that drives the El Niño/La Niña cycle. As greenhouse gases raise ocean temperatures and alter wind patterns, the atmosphere and ocean interact differently, which studies and climate models consistently project will modify ENSO behavior—potentially making extreme El Niño events more likely and changing the overall variability and timing of the cycle. Because there is evidence pointing to a directional impact, saying researchers are not sure if warming will affect ENSO is not accurate. The exact changes are still being refined, but the idea that warming will influence ENSO is supported.