Chinese scientists have warned that a strong El Nino this year may boost global demand for fossil fuels. This climate pattern, which can cause extreme weather, could worsen existing price rises related to the Iran crisis.

This year’s El Nino could increase the global demand for fossil fuels and worsen the price rises caused by the Iran crisis, Chinese government scientists have said. The climate phenomenon happens every two to seven years and causes an increase in average global temperatures. A strong El Nino can bring either droughts or torrential rains and flooding, both of which may force hydropower stations to reduce their output or shut down entirely – increasing the need for other power sources, including.....