UK News
2007 on course to be one of hottest ever years: Met Office
By Rich Bowden, M&C Staff Writer
Dec 14, 2007, 10:27 GMT

(M&C) - This year is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record according to figures released by weather experts.

The Met Office Hadley Centre, in partnership with the University of East Anglia has released data showing 2007 to have been the seventh hottest since records began in 1850, with a global average temperature of 14.4C (57.9F).

However the UK average between January and December showed a slight drop from last year's record high of 9.75C (49.5F) to 9.7C (49.4F).

The findings were released as world leaders and scientists met to attempt to set carbon emission targets at a conference in Bali, Indonesia.

Commenting on the report Dr Vicky Pope, of the Met Office Hadley Centre, who attended the Bali meeting said,  "The last few days have provided an important platform for debate. It confirms the need for swift action to combat further rises in global temperatures because of human behaviour."