We quipped yesterday that there is no need to go south this year - southern temperatures have come to us. The image of this glider trying to launch himself from the slopes of Riverdale tells the story of yesterday's weather. December was the warmest on record. Yesterday's highs were a record for January 1. What's next? Will Toronto boast Vancouver-like weather?

Anyone who did not believe in global warming has to be convinced now. Many, sadly, will say it a good thing. The Economist recently ran a story on how the Russian economy will benefit from access to Arctic shipping routes that are now navigable for the first time in history. Already U.S. spokespeople are saying they will use Canadian Arctic waters to ship goods across the top of the continent.