2006 warmest in The Netherlands ever recorded

The Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI) reported that 2006 has been the warmest ever since temperature was recorded in The Netherlands in 1700. The average temperature was 11.2 Degrees Celsius. Not unexpectedly, more records have been slammed this year. During the winter, the North Pole ice cover was never so small. The Summer of 2006 was the hottest since temperatures were collected. It was also the wettest in 100 years. The Statistics Bureau reported 1000 deaths more in Summer than usual (0,01% of the population). There are cases of blue tongue desease with sheep we never had. And butterflies came later, as the mussels and famous Dutch herring did.
When I worked for the Dutch Environment ministry in the early ninetees, these were elements of climate change scenario's to come. Whether this is proof or early warning of climate change. We better take at least precautionary measures and cut overall emissions. Having the carbon market now keeps our cost to do so limited.

First Dutch Weather station (Buys Ballot) in Utrecht, 1850 (small tower left)