Global warming takes toll on nation

Global warming has caused China to experience its second warmest winter in 50 years. It has also caused sandstorms, heavy fog and severe drought.

The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) said yesterday the winter season from December 2006 to February 2007 recorded a national average temperature of -2.4 C, following the warmest winter in the country between 1998 and 1999, with an average temperature of -2.3 C.

Song Lianchun, spokesman of CMA, told a press conference that the national average temperature and the regional average temperature in 19 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities last month were the highest compared to the corresponding periods each year since 1951.