From deadly floods in California to devastating fires in Chile, scientists say the world is unprepared for climate change disasters that strike with increasing frequency as human-driven global warming continues to break records.

The warmest year in history was followed by the warmest January. Many regions in the Northern Hemisphere are suffering from heat that would be more normal in June. Marine scientists are shocked by the prolonged and intense heat at the surface of the oceans.

Scientists say extreme heat is mostly the result of human activity, such as burning oil, gas and coal and deforestation. This has been exacerbated by natural factors, particularly El Niño – a phenomenon linked to the warming of the Pacific Ocean – which began last year and is expected to continue until spring at the earliest. (Jonathan Watts, more at theguardian.com)