This episode of Climate Emergency Forum asks whether a “super El Niño” may be forming and what that could mean for record‑breaking global heat and extreme weather. Host Herb Simmens talks with climate scientist Paul Beckwith about new ocean data down to 300 metres, the ENSO cycle, prediction uncertainties, and how even a “moderate” El Niño has already pushed global temperatures above 1.5°C.
This video was recorded on April 15th, 2026, and published on April 19th, 2026, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.
They explore how a stronger El Niño on top of long‑term warming could intensify marine heatwaves, storms, storm surges, and shifting weather patterns, and whether temperatures nearing 1.8–1.9°C might finally trigger serious climate action from world leaders—or unilateral moves by countries like China. The conversation also tackles how scientists should communicate bold forecasts without misleading the public.
In his “Climate Three” news segment (this time a “climate two”), Herb reports from the Society of Environmental Journalists conference on new research showing great white sharks risk overheating in warming oceans, and a study suggesting over a 50 percent chance the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could collapse this century. He warns that despite potentially catastrophic impacts on rain belts, European winters, and sea level rise, governments remain largely silent and inactive.
Paul Beckwith - Climate Systems Scientist. Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Paleoclimatology Laboratory as well as at Carleton University.
Herb Simmens - Author, Co-founder of the Healthy Planet Action Coalition (HPAC), Climate Emergency Board Member and former college instructor.
Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader
Heidi Brault - Climate Reality Leader, BA(Psychology), Library & Information Technician Diploma - Video production and website assistant - Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP Team Lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum.
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