2008 Ranks as Eighth Warmest Year Since 1880
Slighty Cooler than 2006, 2007 But Continuing a Warm Decade
Jan 21, 2009
That figure takes into account a combination of both the sea and surface temperatures together. 2007 was cooler than 2006 and 2007, which were the sixth and seventh most warmest worldwide. All of the top ten warmest years have occurred since 1995, NOAA's Climatic Data Center (CDC) reported on January 14.
In order of the top ten warmest to the coolest years worldwide, 1998 is first, followed by 2005, then a tie for third between 2003 and 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2001 and 2008 in a tie for eighth, and then 1997 according to the CDC's statistics. The year 2000 is the only year this decade that fails to make it into the top ten, making the first decade of the 21st century a notably warm one.
Global Temperatures Still Rising
Since 1880, the temperature of the planet has risen an average of 0.09 degrees F every decade. However, in the past 30 years, the warming has become more pronounced: it now warms at a average rate of 0.32 degrees F every ten years, the report continues.
When taken separately, the air temperature was 1.22 degrees F above the 20th century average, the sixth warmest reading since 1880; water temperatures averaged about 0.67 degrees F above normal, which was the tenth warmest.
El Nino was really not a factor in 2008 as the El Nino Southern Oscillation remained in what is known as a "neutral" phase. La Nina conditions did start out the year, although the anomaly had dissipated by June.
Global Warming Supporters, Deniers Have Points to Argue On
The continuing warmer conditions should continue to give fodder to those who believe in global climate change and the global warming theory. While there are still scientists who argue against it, most recently noted Princeton physics professor Dr. William Happer, an increasing number are aligning themselves with those who believe climate change is real.
One of the gauges of climate change is global sea ice coverage. In 2008, its extent reached the second lowest level on record next to 2007 at 1.80 million square miles. Another is hurricanes, and 2008 ranked as the third costliest season on record in the Atlantic basin next to 2004 and 2005, and was the fourth most active since 1944.
Busy Hurricane and Tornado Seasons
Some global warming believers say major hurricanes will become more frequent in a warmer world, and 2008 may offer them some arguing points: it was the first to have a major hurricane every month during the official hurricane season in the Atlantic which runs from June through November.
Tornadoes were unusually frequent in 2008 across the United State, with the second highest total ever since reliable records began in 1953 being recorded. 1,690 twisters formed, well above the average of 1,270. It was also the third deadliest in the country, with 125 fatalities due to tornado-related incidents.
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