Global warming just from changes in cosmic ray output?
Fox News is reporting (and not in an unbiased way BTW) that a recently published study correlates cosmic ray output from the Sun to the formation of lower atmosphere clouds. Lower atmosphere clouds are the ones that have a significant effect on the warming and cooling of the planet. Okay. So the study found that lower cosmic ray emissions, less cloud cover, less cloud cover warmer Earth. Okay. Now since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution we’ve had rising temperatures and lower cosmic ray input. So is it only the Sun responsible for Global Warming?
Frankly I don’t know. Sounds like it could be factor, but I’d like to see more than just lab studies. I’d like to see something like using temperature analogues for the past connected to cosmic ray output in the past. Does this pattern repeat over time? Was this a one off?
The way Fox portrays this, however, is a giant conspiracy against the research. It isn’t getting picked up because it runs counter to conventional wisdom. Okay, maybe. Maybe also the scientific community is still digesting this one. Maybe, and I think this is a good reason, this is a pretty tough thing to wrap ones head around, even for a science journalist.
This is what really bugs me. The author of the story is biased against the CO2 theory explaining global warming. Me? Sure I think it’s CO2, but this is an interesting bit of information and I’m intrigued. I also think that regardless of what is causing global warming, we have to get better at conserving energy. To write something that people could conclude that, hey it isn’t my fault, let’s drive our Hummer two blocks to the store instead of walking … is irresponsible IMHO.
My job now, as a scientist, is to ask some folks I know and respect for their opinions and get back to you.
Hat tip: Meddle
Tags: global warming, CO2, cosmic rays, scientific bias
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