This blog does not deal with global warming or climate change. But it does deal with the corruption of science that comes from overt politicization of science papers and advocacy. And this one might just take the cake. According to one scientist, the world is experiencing an increase in destructive seismic activity—and it is due to global warming! From the story on the CBS Website:
New research compiled by Australian scientist Dr. Tom Chalko shows that global seismic activity on Earth is now five times more energetic than it was just 20 years ago. The research proves that destructive ability of earthquakes on Earth increases alarmingly fast and that this trend is set to continue, unless the problem of “global warming” is comprehensively and urgently addressed.What? How could a degree or two of warming in the last 100 years cause earthquakes?
“NASA measurements from space confirm that Earth as a whole absorbs at least 0.85 Megawatt per square kilometer more energy from the Sun than it is able to radiate back to space. This ‘thermal imbalance’ means that heat generated in the planetary interior cannot escape and that the planetary interior must overheat. Increase in seismic, tectonic and volcanic activities is an unavoidable consequence of the observed thermal imbalance of the planet,” said Dr. [Tom] Chalko.
Dr. Chalko has urged other scientists to maximize international awareness of the rapid increase in seismic activity, pointing out that this increase is not theoretical but that it is an Observable Fact.
“Unless the problem of global warming (the problem of persistent thermal imbalance of Earth) is addressed urgently and comprehensively - the rapid increase in global seismic, volcanic and tectonic activity is certain. Consequences of inaction can only be catastrophic. There is no time for half-measures.”
I would say this is a hoax, but it appeared in the AP so it must be true! Moreover, Dr. Chalko is real. Well, he’s really far out. He’s into space aliens, auras, and believes that global warming could cause the earth to explode. Now space aliens and auras might be real, but someone who promotes their existence and worries that thermal imbalance will cause the earth to explode is hardly an “expert” whose opinions should be quoted by the AP and reported on CBS on global warming!When the media want something to be true—they will print anything! In fact, the AP apparently copied the story whole from Dr. Chalko’s Web page. Or, it wasn’t AP at all and CBS was fooled. Check it out!
