New predictions of global warming outstrip earlier worst-case scenarios, reports David Adam.

The threat of serious flooding along England's east coast receded on Friday after officials said the main tidal peak had passed, although storms were still causing problems elsewhere in Europe. High seas still threatened The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Norway and Sweden.

A British explorer who was the first man to reach the North Pole solo announced plans on Tuesday to lead an expedition to measure the thickness of the Arctic ice caps. Pen Hadow (45), who reached the top of the world alone in 2003, will lead a three-person team.