Human-induced Global Warming
The Ministry of Environment & Forests published two Discussion Papers in January, 2011 entitled “Contribution of Changing Galactic Cosmic Ray Flux to Global Warming” and “Galactic Cosmic Rays, Low Clouds and Global Warming”. The Discussion Papers examined the issue relating to contribution of changing galactic cosmic rays and low clouds to global warming. According to the Papers, there exists highly persuasive evidence to show that the radiative forcing component due to the decrease in primary cosmic ray intensity during the last 150 years is 1.1 Watt per square meters, which is about 60% of that due to Carbon dioxide increase. The papers suggest that the future prediction of global warming presented by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change requires relook in view of the effect due to long term changes in the galactic cosmic ray intensity. The Government is of the view that more studies are required at global level to enhance understanding of the issue.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan in a written reply to a question by Shri Vijay Jawaharlal Darda in Rajya Sabha today.
KP