England’s Growing Sunshine: A Welcome Brightening

Travis
July 25, 2026
8:53 am
Co2, Net Zero, Positive Climatology, Psychological Trickery

It’s almost hard to believe but the data is showing a clear increase in sunshine hours

England is basking in more sunshine than at any time in over a century of records. Met Office data show a clear upward trend in annual sunshine hours since the mid-1980s. The most recent decade has been roughly 10 per cent sunnier than 1961–1990, and 2025 set a new national record.

The causes are primarily a combination of natural atmospheric variability and the modest warming of recent decades; cleaner air from lower aerosol levels is a comparatively small factor. Persistent high-pressure systems have become more common, suppressing cloud formation, especially in winter and spring. Alongside this, the gradual increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide has contributed to a more stable, slightly warmer climate that favours clearer skies over much of north-west Europe. Reduced low-level cloud is a recognised feature of a gently warming world, allowing more solar energy to reach the surface.

This extra light and associated warmth are thoroughly beneficial. Cold remains by far the greater threat to human life. In England and Wales, cold temperatures have historically been linked to tens of thousands of excess deaths each winter, orders of magnitude more than heat-related mortality. A sunnier, milder climate eases that burden, cuts heating demand and supports healthier outdoor living.

Warmth and elevated CO2 together bring life. Longer growing seasons, higher photosynthetic rates and improved water-use efficiency in plants are well-documented responses to both factors. Gardens, farms and natural ecosystems respond positively. The same industrial progress that raised living standards has also delivered the prosperity that makes resilience possible.

Economically, the gains are tangible. Greater sunshine lowers electricity costs for households and industry. Tourism, hospitality and outdoor leisure all expand with longer spells of clear weather, while higher crop yields and reduced heating bills free up household and business spending. These advantages compound the productivity benefits of a more benign climate.

In short, England’s brighter skies reflect a climate that is becoming a little more benign. Sunshine, modest warmth and the fertilising effect of CO₂ are not problems to be solved; they are advantages to be welcomed. This is why, we love global warming!

If you are curious to why we have becoming a bit warmer recently, you should watch this podcast with Dr Robert Ian Holmes where we unpack the natural climate cycles of our planet.

We're Doing A Thousand Mile Walk With The Board

Thanks to the support of the community I’ve now purchased this board and have started waking up the people with it. Soon I will do a 1000 mile walk. It would be great if you were to join and support!