Appearing for the entire program, Prof. William Forstchen warned that an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack by a rogue nation could disable America's power grid and communications infrastructure, and lead to an inconceivably high death toll. He provided details on Starfish Prime, a high-altitude nuclear test conducted by the US in 1962, which increased our awareness of the serious repercussions of EMP. The detonation took place high above the Pacific Ocean yet caused significant electrical damage several hundred miles away in Hawaii, he said.
Major solar flares can also produce EMP, Forstchen added, noting the Carrington Event of 1859 was the most powerful solar storm in recorded history. If such a storm hit our planet today, over 80% of the electrical generating systems in the Eastern US would still be offline four years later, he estimated. Forstchen pointed out that North Korea or Iran could easily place an EMP-calibrated weapon within range of America and blow out the entire US power grid.
A 2004 Congressional study projected a stunning 90% fatality rate from such an attack, he remarked, explaining that it would cause an almost immediate shortage of potable water, food, and medical supplies and eventually lead to an economic and societal collapse. "We can stop this before it happens," Forstchen said, agreeing with Art's assessment that America should preemptively strike any country preparing to launch an EMP attack against it. He also proposed the America harden its infrastructure and begin stockpiling replacement parts to rebuild it.