2010 to rank among three hottest years on record

THE UN weather agency says 2010 is “almost certain” to rank among the three hottest years on record.

The World Meteorological Organisation also says global temperatures during 2001-2010 are the highest recorded for any 10-year period since the beginning of climate records in 1850.

In data released yesterday at global climate talks in Cancun, the WMO said this year’s temperatures through October were at near-record levels. Data for November and December will be analysed in early 2011.