Rising temperatures

Global temperatures in the first half of the year were the hottest since records began more than a century ago, according to two of the world’s leading climate research centers.

Scientists have also released what they described as the “best evidence yet” of rising long-term temperatures.

The report is the first to collate 11 different indicators – from air and sea temperatures to melting ice – each one based on between three and seven data sets, dating back to between 1850 and the 1970s.

The newly released data follows months of scrutiny of climate science after skeptics claimed leaked emails from the University of East Anglia (UEA) suggested temperature records had been manipulated – a charge rejected by three inquiries.

So, what is the impact of this rising temperature phenomenon on planet earth and humankind? How can environment policies help stop it or limit its damage?

Inside Story, with presenter Mike Hanna, discusses with Fred Pearce from the New Scientist Magazine, and David Henderson, the former head of the Economics & Statistics Department at OECD, and chairman of the Academic Advisory Council of the Global Warming Policy Foundation.

This episode of Inside Story airs from Thursday, July 29, at 1730GMT, with repeats at 2230GMT, and the next day at 0430GMT and 1030GMT.