Sounds reasonable. Since I’m a grown kid, it seems very intuitive to come to this conclusion. The question is: Why is there less cloud coverage?
Discussion
Lost track of this. We‘ve established that cloud coverage is declining and that clouds likely have a cooling effect on surface temperatures.
You asked why there is less cloud coverage. As a matter of fact, CERN (and other scientists) proved in theory and practice that cloud coverage is influenced by cosmic radiation (from the galaxy as well as the sun). https://home.cern/news/news/experiments/cosmic-rays-clouds
There are solar cycles with increases and decreases in solar activity. In the past 40 years or so, solar activity decreased which likely had an impact on cloud coverage (less clouds due to less solar radiation) and, hence, surface temperatures (higher due to less clouds) on earth.
Yet, this path of scientific research is not at all discussed by climate scienists.
What I am trying to say is: the earth‘s climate is way too complex and we know way too little about it to pinpoint it to one factor alone. And even worse so, real open-ended scientific research on the matter is discouraged. It‘s a taboo and could cost you your career as a scientist.
Josef, thank you for taking the time to express your thoughts and concerns regarding this truly complex issue. I’m not a climate scientist myself and agree 100% with the statement that earths climate is way to complex to pinpoint it to one variable. I would also agree with the incentive structure in current academia to be disincentivizing open ended research.
However I can’t ignore that my personal choices and actions have consequences. Consequences that may be more or less harmful to my fellow citizens of the earth and the environment around me. I personally try to optimize my lifestyle to avoid as much harm as possible. Others might not share these values or might refuse to be aware of the consequences of their actions, but that’s not of my business. I might argue that people who live in a harmful way towards their fellow citizens and environment are violating the NAP (non aggression principle) but usually even that is causing resentment because everyone thinks they are doing their best already. We’re not. There is room to grow, always.