The world is likely to see a return to rapid warming in the next couple of years, scientists said, in what could signal the end of the “pause” in rising global temperatures. 

THIS year could become one of the top 10 hottest since 1850, with global temperatures expected to be almost half a degree celsius warmer in 2012 than the long-term (1961-1990)average of 14 degrees, the British Met Office said.