The Earth Is Suffering from Heat Waves!    [30-07-2010] It’s scorching hot these days. In fact, many countries all over the world are suffering from the record-breaking hot weather. A great number of people died of heat stroke in many countries. It's not just in Korea; other countries in Asia and Europe have also been hit by heat waves this summer. According to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)국립해양대기청, 2010 is the hottest year ever since records began in 1880. The data shows that last month was the hottest June ever recorded. In addition, the first six months of this year saw the warmest-ever global temperatures. The NOAA said that from January to June, this year recorded the warmest global land and ocean surface temperature since 1880. The combined land and ocean temperature for the first six months of 2010 were 14.2℃, which is 0.68℃ above the 20th century average for the January to June period. In June, the combined land and ocean temperature was 16.2℃, which is 0.68℃ above the 20th century average of 15.5℃. Due to global warming, the Earth is getting hotter every year and Arctic ice is melting fast. Many meteorologists warn that the global thermometer could rise sharply if we don’t cut greenhouse gas emissions. The rising temperatures can lead to dangerous situations for both humans and animals. As a result of the extremely hot weather, many people are dying or falling sick all across the globe. For example, in India, more than 300 people have been hospitalized every day due to heat stroke. Also, more than 350 people died in many other parts of India last week alone due to the heat waves. In Russia, more than 370 people died while cooling off in lakes in July. Sadly, the global death toll is expected to rise, as temperatures are likely to rise again in coming weeks.     출처: 어린이 영자신문 키즈타임즈 (www.kidstimes.net)