The Earth Is Getting Brighter

The New York Times reports that the Earth is getting brighter:

Reversing a decades-long trend toward "global dimming," Earth's surface has become brighter since 1990, scientists are reporting today.

The brightening means that more sunlight - and thus more heat - is reaching the ground. That could partly explain the record-high global temperatures reported in the late 1990's, and it could accelerate the planet's warming trend.

The cause is obvious. There isn't enough smog. Cleaning up air pollution has a downside.

Addendum: I posted the above before looking at Greenie Watch.