The answer to the above question depends on the definition of earthqua
ke prediction. We discuss several definitions and possible classificat
ions of earthquake prediction methods. We also consider various measur
es of prediction efficiency, review several recent examples of earthqu
ake prediction, and describe the methods that can be used to verify pr
ediction schemes. We conclude that an empirical search for earthquake
precursors that forecast the size of an impending earthquake has been
fruitless. Despite considerable effort in several countries, no statis
tically rigorous validation of proposed precursory phenomena is availa
ble; therefore, reported cases of precursors can be explained by rando
m noise or by chance coincidence. We present evidence that earthquakes
are non-linear, chaotic, scale-invariant phenomena. The most probable
consequence of earthquake self-similarity is a lack of earthquake pre
dictability as popularly defined, that is a forecast of a specific ind
ividual earthquake. Many small earthquakes occur throughout any seismi
c zone, demonstrating that the critical conditions for earthquake nucl
eation are satisfied almost everywhere. Apparently, any small shock ca
n grow into a large event. Thus, it is likely that an earthquake has n
o preparatory stage. This sceptical view of current earthquake predict
ion efforts should not be interpreted as a statement that any further
attempts to mitigate the destructive effects of earthquakes are futile
. The seismic-moment conservation principle, when combined with geodet
ic deformation data, offers a new way to evaluate the seismic hazard,
not only for tectonic plate boundaries, but also for areas of low seis
micity, that is the interiors of continents. Earthquake clustering wit
h a power-law temporal decay (Omori's law) can be used to estimate the
rate of future earthquake ocurrence. Realtime seismology can facilita
te relief efforts after large earthquakes and eventually provide an im
mediate warning of severe shaking a few seconds or tens of seconds bef
ore the shaking starts.