Is truth stranger than fiction?

Crichton testifies before Congress 2

Not always. And definitely not yesterday at the Senate Environment and Public Works committee hearing on the role of science in environmental policy making.

Such an important topic demands the opinions of distinguished scientists and policy makers, right? Wrong. Headlining the hearing was none other than science fiction author Michael Crichton, whose latest book, State of Fear, takes on the science of global warming and the evil environmentalists behind it. (Read Dave's review here.)

I couldn't face watching it, but the brave scientists at Realclimate.org did. Their summary is worth a read.

Ana Unruh Cohen is the director of environmental policy at the Center for American Progress and a frequent Grist blogger.

Advertisement
Advertisement
  1. jbosank Posted 6:15 am
    29 Sep 2005

    Crichton hardly qualifies as an expertState of Fear is far more myth than fact. Here's a good rundown on Crichton's errors:

    http://www.undoit.org/whatsnew_spotlight.cfm?story=stateoffear

  2. odograph Posted 9:01 am
    29 Sep 2005

    flipping outYou know, there are a few other science fiction authors who have gone down in history as "flipping out in their old age."  I wonder if Crichtion knows he is joining that group?
    I'm sure he'll note that having a few dedicated followers is not a disproof, but is actually typical of the "flipped-out late in life" sci fi author.

Add a Comment

You are not logged in. Thus, you cannot post a comment. If you have an account, log in. If you don't have an account, well, by all means go make one! Meet you back here in five.

Hello, Visitor!    Why not register?

Advertisement