[21twelve]

While the number of flares has been up this past year, the solar activity is still much less than average. It is that low activity over a period of time that probably has the most impact on cooler temperatures over a period of time.

http://cafeconlecherepublicans.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Surface-Temperatures.png

[spokeshave]

And the reason thee are fewer sun spots is because the Sun's magnetic field is in decline.