Abstract: The year 2008 is likely to rank as the 10th warmest year on record since the beginning of the instrumental climate records in 1850. The global combined sea-surface and land-surface air temperature for 2008 is currently estimated at 0.31℃ above the 1961-1990 annual average of 14.00℃. Ten of the warmest years were all among the recent 12 years, indicating a continuous trend of global warming. Arctic sea ice extent during the 2008 melt season dropped to its second-lowest level since satellite measurements began in 1979. Climate extremes, including devastating floods, severe and persistent droughts, snow storms, heatwaves and cold waves, were recorded in many parts of the world. La Nina conditions gradually weakened from their peak strength in February, and near-neutral conditions prevailed during the later half of 2008. Antarctic ozone hole in 2008 is larger than that in 2007.

Key words: the year 2008, climate status, extreme event