CLIMATE EXPERTS RELEASE WARMING DATA AT UN CONFERENCE

08.12.2009 [21:04]
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Baku, 8 December (AZERTAC). Climate experts say data for the first decade of the 21st century will likely show it to be the warmest on record, with 2009 its hottest year.

The World Meteorological Organization released those findings Tuesday on the second day of a 192-nation climate conference in Copenhagen, VOA reports.

WMO chief Michel Jarraud told representatives that final analysis early next year will likely show 2009 as the fifth warmest since scientists began recording global data in 1850.

The WMO also cites 2009 weather extremes that include China`s worst drought in five decades, Australia`s third warmest year and the hottest daily temperature ever recorded in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Delegates to the December 7-18 conference are seeking to craft a deal to curb global warming and help poor countries cope with its effects.

More than 100 world leaders, including U.S. President Barack Obama, are expected to attend the Copenhagen conference next week.

A global warming treaty replacing the existing Kyoto Protocol must balance proposed caps on carbon gas emissions with economic realities in developing economies. The Kyoto pact expires in 2012.

Delegates are considering a proposal under which rich countries would contribute $10 billion a year in funding to poor countries in each of the next three years.

Scientists say a 25 to 40 percent cut in carbon dioxide emissions is needed to control global warming. The European Union, China, and India have already pledged cuts. The United States is waiting for Congressional approval for an initial 17 percent cut.

CLIMATE EXPERTS RELEASE WARMING DATA AT UN CONFERENCE

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