Although the UK is as far north as Labrador, it avoids Canadian-style weather because of the Gulf Stream, a warm sea current which kisses its western shores on its way to the Arctic. Without it, average temperatures could be at least 5°C (40°F) lower.

The southwards flow of water from the Northern Atlantic back to the Gulf of Mexico has reduced by 20% over the last 20 years, and is currently weakening further by 2-4% a year. Oceanographers suspect this is due to the melting of the arctic icecap, which is reducing the salinity (saltiness) of the North Atlantic, thus reducing its water's ability to descend and return South - the momentum needed to keep the current circulating. If the flow of cool water southwards is reducing, the flow of warm water northwards will as well. The scientists are concerned that Governments appear to be only planning for the impact of temperature rise on their countries.

Ed.- Although the UK climate may have become warmer in the short term, bringing lusher vegetation, exotic fish and more mosquitoes, the longer term prospect is distinctly chilly.