"First Half of 2010 Sets Heat Records"

"Just as climate skeptics cited this winter's snowstorm as evidence that global warming was overhyped, some environmental activists might be tempted to point to this summer's heat waves to bolster their case.

But instead, they're pointing to a more scientific measurement: The NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies now reports that the first six months of 2010 are the warmest on record, both in terms of atmospheric data and in combined atmospheric/ocean readings.

In some cases the atmospheric readings for some of the first six months of the year are between 1.8 and 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above what they were in previous years.

And on top of that, last week Arctic sea ice extent hit the lowest level ever for June."

Juliet Eilperin reports in Post Carbon July 12, 2010.