Washington, August 16 (RHC)-- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has confirmed July was the Earth’s hottest month since record keeping began 140 years ago.

In a statement, the NOAA said: “Much of the planet sweltered in unprecedented heat.  The record warmth also shrank Arctic and Antarctic sea ice to historic lows.”

July was the 415th consecutive month with above-average temperatures.

Meanwhile, Australia is facing criticism for watering down a climate agreement at the Pacific Island Forum, which has just wrapped up in Tuvalu. Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama tweeted: “We came together in a nation that risks disappearing to the seas, but unfortunately, we settled for the status quo in our communique. Watered-down climate language has real consequences — like water-logged homes, schools, communities, and ancestral burial grounds.”
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