In this week’s newsletter: Experts are predicting a stronger version of the weather pattern this year, which could supercharge extreme events and see temperature rises breach 1.5C

• Don’t get Down to Earth delivered to your inbox? Sign up here

Scientists and officials are keeping a close eye on conditions brewing in the Pacific Ocean that could spike temperatures and smash global heat records in the year ahead.

It’s still too early to get a definitive picture, but there are signs that a so-called super El Niño could develop this year, supercharging extreme weather events around the world. Some forecasts are suggesting it could become one of the strongest ever recorded.

Stern warning: one man’s mission to clear the rotting boats poisoning Cornwall’s creeks

On the trail with the hunters who believe shooting big game can save Africa’s wildlife

Who’d have thought a fossil-fuel shill like Trump would be the one to spark a green revolution? | George Monbiot

Are we heading for ‘super El Niño’ – and what could we expect?

What is supercharging global heat? – video explainer

Chance of El Niño forming in Pacific Ocean may push global temperatures to record highs in 2027