Accra:As weather patterns become increasingly erratic, Thailand is gearing up to face a phenomenon known as "Super El Niño," a term used by academics to describe the most intense level of El Niño events. This development is seen not as a distant issue but as a direct threat to the lives and well-being of the Thai population, according to Associate Professor Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine and environmental scholar.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Thon explained that El Niño arises from changes in sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, which have global repercussions. In Thailand, this translates to not only hotter weather but also extreme conditions such as heavy rainfall leading to flash floods and severe droughts. The year 2027 is expected to be particularly challenging, with droughts predicted to last from the beginning to the middle of the year, resulting in more uncontrollable wildfires and worsening air pollution.
Another significant concern is the soaring sea temperatures, which could reach "boiling sea" levels above 35 degrees Celsius during April and May of next year. This increase poses grave risks to marine ecosystems, leading to coral bleaching, the death of seagrass, and disruptions to fishing industries, which are vital for food sources. Dr. Thon highlighted that these impacts are not isolated events but are linked to the accumulation of energy in the atmosphere from the extremely hot sea, causing unusually heavy rainfall at times.
Dr. Thon stressed the importance of self-reliance in the face of the global warming crisis. He urged individuals not to depend solely on government intervention but to start assessing their own risks and planning accordingly. This includes preparing flood prevention systems, managing water use for agriculture, and ensuring family readiness for unexpected natural disasters, as traditional weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable.