Comment on “An Indication of Intentional Efforts to Cause Global Warming and Glacier Melting” by J. Marvin Herndon

Aims: This is a critical comment on the recently published paper by Herndon (JGEESI 9(1): 1-11, 2017). I present compelling findings that Herndon’s main claim that the “air-drop material” found on February 14, 2016 in Harrison Township, Michigan (USA) is an evidence for a deliberate world-wide effort to cause global warming and glacier melting is misleading. Analysis: The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has determined that the found “airdrop material” was consistent with bird droppings because it morphologically resembles plant material, including leaves, seeds and fruit skins from berries. The 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard also stated that there was no indication that the substance came from any type of military aircraft. Conclusion: Although the above relevant information about the Harrison Township event was already known since late February 2016, it is concealed in Herndon’s paper. Indeed, the climate of Michigan is optimal to grow blueberry and other winter berries and these are usual winter food for local birds. Herndon missed to properly investigate the more likely possibility that the air-drop material could simple be unusual bird scat.