Global Warming Skeptics' Argument Debunked

Fluctuations In The Sun's Cosmic Rays Have Not Caused Recent Climate Change Among climate change skeptics, a favorite argument against the scientific consensus about the causes of global warming is that increased energy is causing the temperature to rise -- and not only on Earth, but on other planets in the solar system. In fact, according to just-published research, trends on the sun -- independent of other factors -- would have led to a period of global cooling over the past 20 years. "Here we show that over the past 20 years, all the trends in the Sun that could have had an influence on the Earth's climate have been in the opposite direction to that required to explain the observed rise in global mean temperatures," the abstract of the scientific analysis reads. The paper was published in the Proceedings Of the Royal Society A, a peer-reviewed scientific journal in Britain. To read the study, click here. Climate change skepticism plays on some aspect of human psychology that loves an Achille's heel argument -- that belief that a simple but overlooked fact will debunk a commonly held false notion. It's a noble pursuit, in a way, because in its pure form it aims for truth. In the case of global warming, however, science has spoken thunderously: the warming of the climate over the past several decades is caused largely by humans, primarily our burning of fossil fuels. More on the Blazing Summer/Global Warming: Stories and Tips Cool Home Design (Passive Solar) Keeping Your Cool (Easy Home Tips) Heat Wave -- Global Warming Revealed? Global Warming Skeptic's Argument Debunked Climate Skeptic Changes Tune, and Makes Warming a Conservative Issue List of 10 Biggest Wildfires Now Burning Stay Cool Recipes Chilled Cucumber-Melon Soup with Radish Salsa Strawberry Granita Tomato, Fava Bean and Smoked Gouda Salad Your Photos Heat Wave Photos sent to Weird Weather Watch Heat Waves Heat Waves 2 That's Hot Fried Eggs and Shadows Porsche in the Heat Waves What does the heat wave look like to you? Send us your heat wave photos