Annual dramatic events and facts
Between 1950 and 2000, the average temperature in the Antarctic Peninsula increased by 2.5 degrees celsius.
In 2002, Australia had masses of bush fires as a result of abnormal low rainfall.
In 2003, record temperatures across Europe were considered responsible for approximately 35,000 deaths.
In 2004, Japan was hit by 10 typhoons. This was the highest number recorded in 1 year in the country's history.
In 2005, the hurricance season brought flooding to New Orleans, with much loss of life.
In 2006, New York remained without snow over Christmas for the first time in 150 years.
Other IMPORTANT facts:
*17,000,000 people in the Horn of Africa are facing starvation due to drought.
*In one area of the Himalayas called Tien Shan, 400 glaciers are believed to have shrunk by 25% in the last 50 years.
*35 islands make up the Kiribati islands. 2 have disappeared beneath the sea as a result of rising sea levels. The remaining 33 are likely to follow.
