Briefs: Hottest year on record; plastic oceans

Issue 

2015 the hottest year on record

Last year smashed the record for the hottest year since reporting began in 1850, according to the first full-year figures from the world's three principal temperature estimates.

The Guardian said on January 21: “Data released on Wednesday by the UK Met Office shows the average global temperature in 2015 was 0.75°C higher than the long-term average between 1961 and 1990, much higher than the 0.57°C in 2014, which itself was a record.

The article said the Met Office expected this year to set a new record, meaning the global temperature records will have been broken for three years running.

The Guardian said: “Experts warned that the record-breaking heat shows global warming is driving the world's climate into 'uncharted territory' and that it showed the urgency of implementing the carbon-cutting pledges made by the world's governments in Paris in December.

“Heatwaves have scorched China, Russia, Australia, the Middle East and parts of South America in the last two years, while climate change made the UK's record December rainfall, which caused devastating floods, 50-75% more likely.”

Report says oceans to have more plastic than fish by 2050

The world's oceans may have more plastic debris than fish by the year 2050, according to a new report produced by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and published by the World Economic Forum.

Subscribe to Green Left now! You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.