The United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says 2005 is likely to be the second warmest year on record.  The WMO has just presented its yearend report on the status of the global climate and natural disasters.

"Altogether over the last 12 months, there were more than 350,000 people who lost their lives as a result of all these natural disasters," he said.  "The economic costs were staggering, probably well over $200 billion, and that is certainly the highest economic cost recorded for disasters"....

http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-12-15-voa58.cfm