Quake quackery

Pay attention, now, as CBS and the Associated Press pass on revealed wisdom from a scientist:

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...

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. ((why the capital letters?? -- Jemison))

Since Global Warming is now the bogeyman for every "inconvenient" natural phenomenon, even those that long predate the Industrial Revolution, I suppose it's not surprising earthquakes are now on the list of charges. And after all, a SCIENTIST says it, so we need to immediately revert to a preindustrial lifestyle, right? Good thing we have folks like Dr. Chalko who are experts in climatology AND geology.

Wait... you mean those aren't his specialties? Oh, CBS and all the other national outlets that ran with this story never got around to specifying his scientific credentials, did they? Turns out he has a PhD in laser holography and a Masters in Engineering. And while those don't immediately seem to have any bearing on the dramatic tale he's telling, I'm SURE he puts those degrees to good use... in between chasing auras and studying bioresonance (whatever that is). From his bio page:

Dr Tom J. Chalko lives in Mt Best, Victoria, Australia. He holds PhD in laser holography since 1979 and MEngSc in engineering since 1975. From 1982 to 2001 he was an academic at the University of Melbourne, Australia. He enjoys a good health, that he has restored himself in 1994 from quite a miserable state.

He plays classical guitar exceptionally well, enjoys windsurfing (he calls himself a speed addict here), takes time to practice meditation, telepathy and astral travel. His hobbies include challenging paradigms and paradoxes in geophysics, studying puzzling properties of electro-photonic glow (Auras) using Kirlian camera, learning to see human aura, discovering purpose of life, as well as organizing controversial seminars. ((he's also amazingly modest, it would appear -- Jemison))

Wonder why our news organizations didn't see fit to note THOSE credentials for their "scientist." What else about their 'experts,' besides Al Gore's increasing consumption habits, do they leave out when crying "global warming?" And the media wonder why their credibility rivals that of politicians.

I'm all for reducing our dependence on hydrocarbon fuels. But I'm really tired of this junk reporting on assumed causality. Even if disasters are on the uptick, it seems presumptuous to assume humanity is both primarily responsible AND capable of reversing such global trends. There is much we still don't understand about the workings of the universe and its various cycles. Frankly, today's headlines are just as likely--more likely, in fact--to be a function of this process as they are from rush hour traffic.