El Nino change could intensify Pacific weather

[Stacey King]

ABC RADIO AUSTARLIA - Peat Beat Updated May 26, 2010 16:17:43

Scientists are trying to find out how a global temperature increase will affect the El Nino weather phenomenon. El Nino occurs naturally and starts in the tropical Pacific region. It influences ecosystems, agriculture, freshwater supplies, hurricanes and other severe weather events worldwide. However, a report published this week in Nature Geoscience says the climate of the Pacific region will undergo significant changes as global temperature rises. As a result Pacific Islands could be hit with more rain and stronger cyclones. Scientists say they've found two different scenarios. Global warming could cause the El Nino weather events to weaken or to increase. Co-author of the study is Doctor Wenju Cai, principal research scientist with the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, the C-S-I-R-O.

Presenter: Kate McPherson
Speaker: Doctor Wenju Cai, principal research scientist with Australia's C-S-I-R-O
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