You might think that I’m going to tell you that it’s faked, but no, the graph is absolutely correct! Really! It’s also yellow journalism, and the end to the journalistic reputation of the folks who put it out (Unless they want to retract it and apologize).

I added a little value to this graphic that will explain why it’s so egregious.

Andy Revkin at the New York Times decided to use the same scale to show the National Debt:

Unfortunately a lot of atmospheric science researchers (and meteorologists) like me will get that top graphic from folks on social media (or via email) for weeks, with snarky notes included. Sadly, the senders will have no idea how foolish they look. This in the same week when a retired local science teacher told the town council of Woodland, N.C., that a proposed solar cell park would suck up the sunlight, and hurt the photosynthesis of area plants, (quit laughing, I’m serious!). So I guess it’s not a surprise.

The town immediately voted to place a moratorium on all solar energy of course.

Science literacy is not just poor in America of 2015. It abysmal, and a national embarrassment.