Agence France-Presse: Australia experienced one of its hottest years on record in 2007, and climate experts have warned that the higher temperatures are likely a taste of things to come as weather patterns change. The country has already kicked off 2008 with a spate of extreme weather — several cities, including Perth and Melbourne, have suffered summer heatwaves, while bushfires have raged on the east and west coasts. Meanwhile, heavy rain has caused flooding along the east coast, huge waves have …