UN Warns Mozambique Faces Severe Climate Risks as 2026 El Niño Looms

The United Nations has warned that Mozambique is among Africa’s most climate-vulnerable countries as a projected 2026 super El Niño raises the risk of severe heatwaves, below-normal rainfall and worsening drought conditions across Southern Africa.

Elisa Morgera, the UN Special Rapporteur on climate change, issued the warning at the end of an 11-day working visit to Mozambique. She said the country was highly exposed to climate change despite having contributed very little to the problem.

“Mozambique is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change on the planet, despite having contributed very little to it,” Morgera said.

Projected pressure across Southern Africa

Morgera said prolonged droughts, cyclones and floods were predicted in the coming months in connection with the projected El Niño conditions. The source report describes the 2026 event as a record-breaking super El Niño, although its impacts remain projections rather than confirmed outcomes.

The warnings come as Mozambique faces acute economic strain after catastrophic flooding earlier in the year. The country is also dealing with acute food insecurity affecting 3.5 million people, according to the source report.

Malawi and Madagascar were also identified as among the African countries most vulnerable to climate change.

Call for corporate accountability

Morgera called for clear obligations for private companies operating in Mozambique and elsewhere to respect human rights and avoid foreseeable environmental and climate damage. She placed particular emphasis on fossil fuel companies.

Her appeal comes alongside the UN warning about the potential effects of the projected El Niño, including extreme heat, reduced rainfall and heightened drought risks in Southern Africa.

The source report did not identify a specific UN assessment or methodology behind the ranking of Mozambique’s climate vulnerability. It also did not provide dates for Morgera’s visit or precise locations and dates for the flooding reported earlier in the year.