El Nine/La Nina consequences for land ecosystem were examined using the new AVHRR-based three-channel vegetation index (VT), widely used for monitoring drought. A typical pattern of vegetation conditions was identified around the world during the recent events. Features and trends of the 1997/98 El Nino including its intensity, extent, and impact on vegetation are also discussed. (C) 2000 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.