Hottest year not warmly welcomed

WASHINGTON - The Earth set a series of dire records in 2016, including for the hottest year in modern times, highest sea level and most heat-trapping gases ever emitted, a global climate report said on Thursday.

A range of key climate and weather indicators show the planet is growing increasingly warm, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down, said the annual State of the Climate Report.

"Last year's record heat resulted from the combined influence of long-term global warming and a strong El Nino early in the year," the report said.