Solar activity is something else which also affects the earth's climate. (For example, where I grew up, the annual rainfall peaks with the 11 year sunspot cycles. During a peak year in sunspot activity, 97 inches of rainfall in just a three month period is not at all uncommon).
For those who are interested, though, the following discussion outlines why it is thought that the current warming trend is not the result of increased solar activity.
Is the Sun causing global warming? – Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet (nasa.gov)