The deaths of hundreds of wild birds along Mexico's Pacific coast were likely caused by the El Niño climate phenomenon, local authorities said on Thursday, as the country and its surrounding oceans face an intense heat wave.

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  • Hundreds of wild birds have died along Mexico’s Pacific coast.
  • Authorities initially suspected bird flu, but now believe the most likely cause is warmer oceans resulting from El Niño.
  • El Niño is a periodic natural phenomenon that warms the Pacific Ocean, fueling tropical cyclones, floods and rainfall across the Americas and elsewhere.
  • Scientists say this year’s El Niño is particularly worrying, as coupled with climate change, it is expected to see the world grapple with record-high temperatures.
  • Warmer waters are causing fish to swim lower in search of colder waters, which is preventing seabirds from successfully hunting for their food.
  • Sea birds have also been found dead on the coasts of Peru and Chile.
  • At least six people have died in Mexico as a result of intense heat this warmer season. The deaths of the wild birds and the heat wave are a reminder of the dangers posed by climate change. El Niño is a natural phenomenon, but it is being exacerbated by climate change. This is causing more extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, floods and wildfires. These events are having a devastating impact on people and wildlife around the world.

It is important to take action to address climate change. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy and adapting to the impacts of climate change that are already happening.