The temperature worldwide last year was 0.32 degrees Celsius higher than the average calculated figures between 1971 and 2000, the agency said in a statement.

The 2005 figure was the second highest since 1891 when the agency began keeping the measurement. The record high was in 1998 when the gap from the average year stood at 0.66 degrees.

"Especially since the mid-1980s average temperatures have risen more frequently," the agency said.

"One factor of this upward trend in temperature is considered to be global warming along with increases in greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide," it said.

Japan is the home of the Kyoto Protocol, the landmark treaty requiring rich countries to cut their greenhouse gas emissions.

US President George W. Bush walked out of Kyoto as one of his first acts after taking office in 2001, arguing it was unfair because it imposed no burden on developing economies. His administration has also questioned the science on global warming.

Related Links
-