EDITOR’S NOTE: In the March issue of OGFJ (Editor’s comment, "A baffling choice"), we take the American Association of Petroleum Geologists to task for giving novelist Michael Crichton, a non-journalist, its annual Journalism Award. Rick Fritz, executive director of the AAPG, sent us this statement with a cover letter explaining the organization’s decision.
The AAPG Journalism Award is given to "any suitable person in recognition of notable journalistic achievement in communications by any medium that contributes to public understanding of geology and the technology of oil and gas exploration."
Established in 1972, awardees include two novelists - James Michener (1984) and John McPhee (1987), as well as Michael Crichton.
Other awardees include Stephen Jay Gould, Ron Redfern, Daniel Yergin, Simon Winchester, Associated Press Science Writer Max Skelton, and Walter Sullivan of the New York Times.
Michael Crichton was originally nominated for AAPG’s Journalism award for writing "Jurassic Park." When he was selected this year, "State of Fear" was included as part of the body of his works concerning the geosciences. In each novel, he was able to take current scientific knowledge and make the general public more aware of geology and geologic issues through a stimulating format. "Jurassic Park," which was a best-selling book before becoming one of the most successful films in cinematic history, had an especially significant impact on young people’s interest in the geosciences.
Many AAPG members feel that "State of Fear" is important because of the questions it raises about the science of global warming and its relationship to emotion and money. The AAPG Executive Committee and the Advisory Council Awards Committee are committed to the scientific process, and these are questions that should be asked in any scientific debate.
There is no doubt that the earth warms and cools over geologic time; as geologists, we can see this phenomenon in the rock record. AAPG’s official policy is that there is not enough data at this time to determine the actual anthropogenic effect on global climate change; i.e., we need to collect and examine more data, study, integrate and discuss.
Our concern is the fact that the geologic perspective generally is missing from the debate on global warming. Geoscientists have a perspective that is uniquely important to this issue, especially the understanding of ancient climates and climate changes in relationship to geologic time. AAPG recognizes that we have members on both sides of this debate, and we respect their opinions and encourage them to be part of the scientific process and discussion.
In providing this award to Michael Crichton, we are not stating as an association that "Jurassic Park" and "State of Fear" are great literary achievements, or that they are scientific publications. That is not the purpose of the AAPG Journalism Award. Furthermore, we are not making a policy statement as an association or saying that every AAPG member agrees with the content and conclusions in Dr. Crichton’s books. AAPG is saying that Michael Crichton has contributed significantly to the "public understanding of geology" with his writings.
We hope that Dr. Crichton’s publications and the resulting debate will lead to a better understanding of geology, mankind’s relationship to global warming, and the balancing of energy needs for society.
Geology is a highly integrated science and depends on contrasting ideas, peer review, and multiple working hypotheses for the development and ultimate distribution of good geoscience. AAPG supports sound policy based on sound science.
