Climate change breaks the bank

Last year was the hottest on record on Earth, and it was accompanied by climate disasters. More than 40 percent of the planet's surface was at least 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than at the end of the 19th century. Many scientists believe that a 1.5 degree increase over pre-industrial levels is the point at which serious climate consequences begin. Parts of Canada and the northern United States are already averaging temperatures at least 2 degrees Celsius above the mark, and in parts of Europe the average temperature was 3 degrees higher. Last August, the average surface temperature of the world's oceans was a record high of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Hotter ocean temperatures are destroying ecosystems for fish and creating stronger tropical storms and hurricanes. (Alan Singer)