In pictures: Your changing world

Ilan Kelman, UK: .

"This picture is of the parched hills just south of Christchurch, New Zealand, during the summer heat wave and drought of 2003-2004."

Europe also suffered a major heat wave in 2003, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented heights in some places.

According to climate scientists, heat waves in the 21st Century will become more frequent, more intense and longer lasting.