AAP: PARTS of Australia endured their driest and hottest year on record as 2008 goes down as the planet’s 10th warmest year. The World Meteorological Organisation has released its annual statement on the global climate. The Geneva-based world weather body said climate extremes – including floods, persistent droughts, snow storms and heatwaves – were recorded in many parts of the world. While Arctic Sea ice dropped to its second-lowest level since satellite measurements began …