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Sun Sets on Solar Global Warming Theory

Greenhouse gases the culprit, not sun's heat, experts say

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 11, 2007 7:29 AM CDT

(Newser) – A theory that global warming is caused by increased solar output is bunk, according to climate-change scientists. Although the world has grown hotter over the last 20 years, solar activity has actually dropped, the BBC reports, and an international panel concluded that greenhouse gases are 13 times more responsible for global warming than the sun.

"The warming in the last 20 to 40 years can't have been caused by solar activity," the lead scientist in the latest study said. Researchers examined the issue in response to a recent British TV documentary advancing the solar theory. "This should settle the debate," said one investigator.

Hikkaduwa, on the southern coast. Stilt fishermen. (PAR221853) (Magnum Photos)

This powerful solar flare on Oct. 25, 2002, sent a storm of high-energy particles (KRT Photos)

Post-Flare Loops Erupt From Suns Surface (Getty Images)

OMAN. Suwadi al Batha near Muscat. The sun sets over the sea at the Sawadi Beach Hotel. 2004. (LON66976) (Magnum Photos)

BULGARIA. 1970. (LON43737) (Magnum Photos)

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Sun Sets on Solar Global Warming Theory

Greenhouse gases the culprit, not sun's heat, experts say

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Dead Sea Dried Up 120K Years Ago

And it's in danger of happening again

Did Greenland Sun Rise 2 Days Early?

Reports say it did—but is global warming to blame?

2010 Tied for Hottest Year Ever

It was also the wettest...

Tea Party Steeped in Global Warming Doubt

More than half of activists don't foresee a warming problem—ever

Sun Not to Blame for Rising Temperatures

Greenhouse gasses 10 times more powerful than sun

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Sun Sets on Solar Global Warming Theory

Greenhouse gases the culprit, not sun's heat, experts say

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

climate change • global warming • science • global temperature • sun

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Dead Sea Dried Up 120K Years Ago

And it's in danger of happening again

Did Greenland Sun Rise 2 Days Early?

Reports say it did—but is global warming to blame?

2010 Tied for Hottest Year Ever

It was also the wettest...

Tea Party Steeped in Global Warming Doubt

More than half of activists don't foresee a warming problem—ever

Sun Not to Blame for Rising Temperatures

Greenhouse gasses 10 times more powerful than sun

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?