The United Nations has warned that Mozambique is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change as a record-breaking super El Niño develops.
The weather system is projected to bring severe heatwaves, below normal rainfall and increased drought risks across Southern Africa. UN special rapporteur on climate change Elisa Morgera warned after an 11-day working visit to Mozambique that the country is among those most vulnerable to climate change on the planet.
She said the country has not contributed significantly to the global causes of climate change. Morgera warned that prolonged droughts, cyclones and floods were expected in the coming months as the region faces the effects of the 2026 super El Niño.
The warning comes as Mozambique continues to face severe economic pressures following catastrophic flooding earlier this year. Morgera also urged multinational companies operating in the country to avoid causing environmental damage.
She called for clear obligations requiring private companies to respect human rights and avoid foreseeable environmental and climate-related harm.
Morgera said the responsibility was particularly important for fossil fuel companies. Mozambique is already facing significant food insecurity, with about 3.5 million people experiencing acute food insecurity. The UN has identified Malawi and Madagascar alongside Mozambique as the three most vulnerable countries in Africa.
The latest warning highlights the potential impact of extreme weather on communities already facing economic and food-security pressures. The projected combination of drought, heatwaves, cyclones and flooding could create further challenges for affected populations across Southern Africa.
