Weird Science
As The Daily Show's Lewis Black might say, I didn't know Michael Crichton was an idiot. While getting a massage this morning, working out some lower back problems, my massage therapist noted that Crichton had been on ABC's 20/20 last night, and that his new book--State of Fear--was debunking the current "theory" of global warming. Hmmm... I couldn't wait to get off the massage table and check this out. Unfortunately, ABC doesn't have any video of 20/20 available, but here's a bit of a write-up about Jon Stossel's interview with Crichton:

He spent three years researching "State of Fear." It's a thriller with footnotes, graphs and scientific references. In it he argues that the threat of global warming has been exaggerated by environmentalists.

"I'm saying that environmental organizations are fomenting false fears in order to promote agendas and raise money," he said.

In "State of Fear," environmental groups set off terrorist acts to focus attention on global warming.

Crichton agrees the Earth is getting warmer. But he says there is little to worry about because the climate is always changing and there is no evidence to determine if the changes are manmade or natural. In fact he says, climate scientists admit they can't predict what temperatures will be in 100 years.

"My view of this is that the media is like the guy going down the street with a sign that says 'The End of the World is Near,' and he picks a date and the day comes and goes, and the world doesn't end. So he doesn't stop with the sign. He goes home, makes another sign, puts a new date on it, and starts marching again. That's the way the media is," Crichton said.

He argues that researchers who study global warming often exaggerate the problem in order to get grants, often using celebrities to promote their cause.

By taking on global warming, Crichton hopes to ease some people's worries.

"I don't know what it is. We seem to be very ready to think it's all coming to an end. At least take in the possibility that actually everything might be going to be OK," he said.

Interesting. Anyhoo, here's the Union of Concerned Scientists' reaction to Crichton's novel:

We hope Michael Crichton fans enjoy his new science-fiction thriller, while keeping in mind there is a very strong consensus among the vast majority of climate scientists that global warming is under way and human activity is a primary cause. Every time we drive a car, use electricity from coal-fired power plants, or heat our homes with oil or natural gas, we release carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases into the air.

Technologies exist today that can cut emissions of heat-trapping gases and make a real difference in the health of our planet. These changes often have other positive benefits such as improving air quality, saving consumers money, reducing our dependence on oil, and creating new jobs and business opportunities.

Our political and business leaders have a responsibility to help move us toward a cleaner energy future. Public investments should shift away from polluting fossil fuels to support for clean renewable energy such as wind and solar power, more fuel-efficient vehicles, and more energy-efficient technologies. People from all walks of life can play a role in slowing global warming by advocating for smarter government policies, better corporate practices, and informed consumer choices.