When Economists Become Prognosticators

The chief economist of Great Britain has become a soothsayer. He's predicting massive floods and drought (at the same time) and is calling for ... drumroll ... a boatload of new taxes:

Report to tell consumers to brace for 'green' taxes
By George Jones, London Daily Telegraph

LONDON -- Britain's consumers will be told today to prepare for new "green" taxes on cars, fuel, air travel and consumer electronics to curb pollution and avert a looming global catastrophe caused by climate change.

A report drawn up by Nicholas Stern, the government's chief economist, says that ignoring global warming could lead to economic upheaval on the scale of the 1930s Depression and turn 200 million people into refugees as their homes are hit by drought or flood.

Ministers plan to use the report to pave the way for "eco-taxes" to persuade people to adopt less-polluting lifestyles. (link)

"Less-polluting" lifestyles. As in the Dark Ages. The Black Plague. A life expectancy of 35. Rampant tuberculosis. Disease. Famine. Pestilence. Malnutrition.

But clear skies and babbling brooks ...