We look back at some of the more questionable science-related claims from 2016 on topics such as climate change, Zika, GMOs, marijuana and the human mind.
FactChecking Science in 2016
Issues: wind energy
Trump on Climate Change
President-elect Donald Trump told the New York Times he had an “open mind” about climate change, but he went on to repeat some of the same false and misleading claims that have been used by those who reject mainstream climate science.
The Candidates on Climate Change
We delve into the presidential candidates’ stances and claims on an issue that has received little attention in this campaign.
Groundhog Friday
Welcome to our third installment of Groundhog Friday, an occasional feature highlighting repeat offenses. This week’s repeat offenders: Donald Trump on Libyan oil and Benghazi; President Obama on renewable energy; and Hillary Clinton on the economy.
Trump’s Hot Air on Wind Energy
Trump said wind farms in the U.S. “kill more than 1 million birds a year.” Reliable data are scarce, but current estimates range from 20,000 to 573,000 bird deaths per year. Trump also falsely claimed shooting an eagle leads to five years in prison.
Bill Clinton’s Economic Exaggerations
Former President Bill Clinton — who will be called upon to help revitalize the U.S. economy if Hillary Clinton wins the presidency — made two inaccurate economic claims in a recent speech in Kentucky.
Obama’s Numbers (January 2016 Update)
A statistical measure of the U.S. on crime, guns, jobs, health insurance and more under Barack Obama.
Obama’s Numbers (July 2015 Update)
As we do every three months, we offer here a fresh update of selected statistical indicators of what has happened since Barack Obama first took the oath of office in January 2009.
Obama’s Numbers (April 2015 Update)
Jobs, earnings, health insurance, oil production, exports and more. Our latest installment of the Obama scorecard.
Obama’s Numbers (January 2015 Update)
More jobs, higher paychecks, falling fuel prices: Our latest scorecard.