Recent scientific investigations have identified a significant reduction in low-altitude cloud cover as a contributing factor to the alleged unprecedented global temperatures recorded in 2023. Low-altitude clouds play a crucial role in Earth's climate system by reflecting solar radiation back into space, thereby exerting a cooling effect on the planet. A decline in these clouds results in increased solar energy absorption by Earth's surface, leading to elevated temperatures, which are likely to be only temporary. By way of summary:
Reduction in Low-Altitude Clouds: Satellite data analyses have revealed a 1.5% decrease in low-altitude cloud cover compared to average levels. This reduction has been particularly notable in the tropics and northern mid-latitudes, including regions over the Atlantic Ocean. The diminished cloud presence has allowed more solar radiation to reach and warm Earth's surface.
Potential Causes:
Natural Variability: Fluctuations in atmospheric and oceanic patterns may influence cloud formation and distribution.
Aerosol Reduction: Stricter environmental regulations have led to the use of cleaner shipping fuels, resulting in fewer aerosol particles. Aerosols contribute to cloud formation; thus, their reduction may lead to decreased cloud cover.
Climate Change Feedbacks: Ongoing global warming may alter atmospheric conditions, further influencing cloud dynamics and potentially creating a positive feedback loop that accelerates warming.
While this is within the conventional paradigm, it shows that even in that position there is much room for debate about the causes of alleged temperature rises. Even if rises are documented, the effects may be only seasonal or short-term, not in any way indicating that global warming is occurring in the long term, or is caused by human industrial activity.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/02/14/global-warming-acceleration-clouds/