Given the resemblance of the climate scaremongers to Chicken Little, your skepticism is understandable.
Unfortunately, in this case it's also somewhat wrong.
We know for a fact that the sun can produce and has produced flares big enough that if they were directly in our path, would do some serious damage to our infrastructure. In the 1800s, there was an event just like this. Fortunately, back in the day the only infrastructure that was succeptable to the electromatic effects were telegraph lines because we'd yet to develop other electrical infrastructure.
The question we can't answer is how often these kind of events are, so we similarly can't generate realistic threat assessments. It could turn out to be something that only happens once in a thousand years, which would make the overall threat less, though not zero, since we'd be talking about a probability, with no way to predict exactly when an event might occur. We don't know if these events happened prior to the 19th centrury because there was no way to tell when they happened. The bottom line is, we just don't know, so should probably take reasonable and prudent measures to protect what we can.
Could you imagine the impact a flare big enough to toast all computers that are not adequitely shielded? The kids running cash registers in grocery stores can't even count change. Everything depends upon computers to run, right down to microwave ovens, and any modern car/truck. The implications are staggering, really. Mandating milspec shielding on all CPUs is not the answer, but there are probably recommendations that it would make sense for people and businesses to take a look at.
So, while I wouldn't run around with my hair on fire, I think it's reasonable to be aware and informed of the issues.
Fyi - I was being cynical about the cause of the increased solar activity, not skeptical about its reality (e.g., the Chicken Little imitation was in regard to global warming).
but *if* the flare is large enuff, dont forget to flail yer arms too ...8^}
does 'stop, drop, and roll' work vs solar flares, or in hell ???