CBS News was called out by Fox and mocked by social media users after claims plane turbulence was caused by climate change.
CBS ran a line Monday about what’s causing the turmoil after 11 people were seriously injured aboard a Hawaiian Airlines flight last Sunday.
They quoted Taylor Garland, spokesman for the Association of Flight Attendants, who claimed that severe weather-related turbulence is becoming more common due to climate change.
Her comments sparked a flurry of reactions on Twitter, and panellists on Fox’s Outnumbered Show blasted the claims on Tuesday – and asked for data to back them up.
Fox’s Outnumbered panel criticizes CBS News for claims climate change is causing turbulence on planes
dr Nicole Saphier, a Fox News medical worker, hit back at the Flight Attendants Association’s claims – urging people to buckle up on flights.
“I don’t think the spokesman for the flight attendants’ union should be the climate change czar.
“Turbulence happens all the time. It’s been happening since we invented flying. And thankfully, the technology on the planes has actually made it better.
“I don’t think we should just blame that on climate change, and I think maybe people should just, you know, wear a seat belt.”
Fox Across America host Jimmy Failla questioned the data behind the claim that climate change will make extreme turbulence events more common.
Fox Across America host Jimmy Failla questioned what data the Flight Attendants Association Union was basing its climate change claims on
“The reason people fall for this crap is because they want to sound empathetic and considerate.
“The only data we have to support climate change is that people are getting rich by selling it to us, and none of the people who are making that money are following any of the policies they are telling us impose,” said Failla.
“I want to be a climate activist just so I can fly in private jets. That’s the advantage for me.’
CBS News was mocked on Twitter, with many criticizing the outlet for using the union’s statement as evidence.
One said, “I spilled my coffee this morning… because of climate change,” while others simply said, “It’s called weather.”
Tammy Bruce, a Fox News contributor, rounded out the outnumbered debate by criticizing organizations that made issues like turmoil a political issue.
“This is a union organization that reinforces a government democratic narrative,” she said.
“As long as there’s this malleable, Play-Doh-like problem that can grow into what they need, more federal money will be handed out to the unions working in every industry that needs it to help save people from climate change.”
“So that’s this vicious circle. It’s typical. Shame on the flight attendants’ union,’ she said.
The issue made the news after severe turbulence on a Hawaiian Airlines flight meant 20 people required hospital treatment, including 11 who were seriously injured.
Oxygen masks fell from above, the turbulence was so intense
Several passengers wore neck braces after being thrown against the plane’s ceiling on Sunday morning
Disturbing video footage has surfaced showing the aftermath of the flight, showing passengers attempting to secure luggage that fell from the overhead bins while children can be heard crying in the background.
One hears a flight attendant appealing over the intercom: “Ladies and gentlemen, attention on board: do we have trained medical staff? Do we have doctors, nurses, firefighters?’
Sunday’s flight from Phoenix to Honolulu was carrying many people traveling for vacations and encountered severe turbulence just before landing, causing passengers to be thrown from their seats as the plane crashed.
A total of 36 people on board the plane received medical treatment for bumps, bruises, lacerations and nausea.