Convenient Myths

From the chapter on "The Great Myth"
.... It is as much surprising as disconcerting to see how little interest there is by politicians in basic fact finding. Instead, they rely on claims by industries, reports in the media, statements by non-government organizations, movies, and the like. There is a definite lack of “due diligence.”

From the chapter on "The Climate"
..... The world experienced a period of 10,000-plus years of strong global warming, not caused by the burning of fossil fuels by man. Obviously then, there are two critical questions: .....

From the chapter on "The Oceans"
..... Prior to the 1970’s or so, most countries with ocean shoreline had a 12 (nautical) mile limit of territorial claim to the sea. Then, developments on the east coast of Canada resulted in a worldwide rethinking ....

From the chapter on "Freshwater"
..... Water is one of very few liquids known to man, which expands on freezing, and therefore floats on the surface of any remaining unfrozen liquid. This rare property has tremendous consequences for life on earth..... Therefore, even....

From the chapter on "Some Chemistry"
.....In North America, the widespread perception of chemistry is one of fear and suspicion. The media have done little to change this view and are more likely to reinforce it with innuendos and reports of problems caused by chemicals...

From the chapter on "The Air" .....In later years, the term ozone also was applied to what is more correctly known as “low-level ozone.” That type of ozone comprises several compounds, of which true ozone (O3) is only a minor constituent, or even absent. No wonder, confusion reigns about ozone....

From the chapter on "Laws of Physics"

..... The Perpetuum mobile (a Latin term meaning “perpetual motion machine”) has been in pursuit for centuries if not millennia. Patent offices around the world receive a steady stream of inventors’ claims for such. Some of these ideas actually receive patent status, even in the 21st century...

From the chapter on "Energy"

.... As a fuel, both ethanol and methanol are inferior to pure gasoline (i.e. hydrocarbons) as, chemically speaking, they are partially oxidized hydrocarbons...

From the chapter on "Engines"
..... Car manufacturers in North America, Europe, and Asia, are announcing new car models, which are partially or entirely propelled by electricity nearly every day. The public perception is one of great expectations (with some apprehension though) to be able to drive cars.