COLUMN: Source hardly reliable

Our local climatologist, Cliff Harris is at it again, spreading misinformation about climate change. His latest bunch of right-wing propaganda quotes the words of a very questionable authority: Ian Rutherford Plimer. Cliff cites the Professor’s academic qualifications but does not mention that he is also director of multiple mineral explorations and mining companies. He allegedly receives hundreds of thousands of dollars from his economic ties.

Plimer claims that volcanoes account for more CO2 production than all of the human causes. While this makes a dramatic headline, it is not true, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS claims that anthropogenic sources of CO2 production cause 130 times more CO2 than all of the world’s volcanoes combined.

While I admit I am not a climatologist, I can read and it seems to me that Harris and Plimer are in a small minority and do not have a credible position in this argument. Professor Plimer also has some controversial statements about science and “creationism.” Perhaps Mr. Harris could enlighten us on that subject.

GARY PETERSEN

Coeur d’Alene