Publication Date March 14, 2016 | ABC Australia

Record heat 'shows world losing battle against climate change'

Australia's chief scientist has warned the planet is "losing the battle" against climate change, after new data showed February set a "completely unprecedented" record for the hottest month since global records began.

The data released by NASA compared each month going back to 1880 against average temperatures between 1951 and 1980, and confirmed preliminary analysis that February was the hottest month on record.