Rep. Greene's Weather Control Claims Clash with Climate Science

In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the Southeast United States, resulting in widespread destruction and over 200 fatalities. As communities grappled with the aftermath, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia ignited controversy by suggesting government involvement in the storm's creation.

Greene's assertions began with a social media post on October 3, 2024, featuring a map highlighting Hurricane Helene's path through Republican-leaning areas. She later escalated her claims, stating, "Yes they can control the weather. It's ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can't be done." This statement prompted fact-checkers to intervene, noting the impossibility of manipulating weather on such a massive scale.

The congresswoman's history of promoting conspiracy theories is well-documented. In 2018, she notably speculated that California wildfires were caused by space-based lasers controlled by investment bankers. Her recent weather control claims follow a similar pattern of unsubstantiated assertions.

Greene's arguments rely on misrepresenting scientific concepts and conflating unrelated technologies. She shared a clip about theoretical weather modification using lasers, failing to acknowledge the vast difference between small-scale experiments and hurricane-sized phenomena. Her posts culminated in a meme compilation of patents and projects, attempting to validate her weather control theory.

Climate scientists emphasize the role of global warming in intensifying hurricanes like Helene. Dr. Michael Mann, a renowned climatologist, explains, "Warmer ocean temperatures provide more energy for hurricanes, leading to stronger and more destructive storms." This scientific consensus is based on decades of research and data collection.

"Climate change is the new Covid."

Greene's dismissal of climate science as "ridiculous" reflects a broader political divide on environmental issues. Her sarcastic comparison of climate change to "cow farts" oversimplifies the complex role of methane in global warming. While livestock contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, the primary driver remains carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion.

The debate surrounding Greene's claims highlights the ongoing challenge of combating misinformation in the digital age. As social media platforms struggle to balance free speech with fact-checking, conspiracy theories can rapidly gain traction among certain audiences.

Hurricane Helene serves as a stark reminder of the increasing threat posed by extreme weather events. The National Hurricane Center reports that the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has been particularly active, with Helene being the eighth named storm to make landfall in the United States this year.

As communities in the Southeast continue to rebuild, the political discourse surrounding climate change and disaster response remains contentious. The incident underscores the critical need for science literacy and responsible public communication, especially in the face of devastating natural disasters.