Comment on “AGU Statement: Investigation of Scientists and Officials in L'Aquila, Italy, Is Unfounded”

In regard to the recent statement by AGU defending our Italian colleagues' statement on earthquake predictions (Eos, 91(28), 248, 13 July 2010), it is my view that there is something more positive that AGU might do than just defend our colleagues. The fundamental problem is that we cannot, with any reasonable certainty, predict earthquakes. This problem applies to many other areas as well. It follows that any statements scientists make should be moderated by that simple fact.