TOW #26 – “Earth Day with a side of fossil fuels” by Ann Telnaes

With regard to Earth Day, cartoonist Ann Telnaes depicted United States President Donald Trump taking a bite out of the Earth. She mentioned several cuts that the Trump administration has made in regard to the environment, reflecting the perspective that Trump is hurting the Earth. Her argument is invaluable; as conscientious citizens, we must protect the Earth with whatever means necessary to protect future generations. Many of Trump’s policies violate this fundamental truth – the head of the EPA denies irrefutable evidence that CO2 causes global warming (Milman), and very little action is being made in favor of the environment. Global leaders, such as the United States of America and China, are largely responsible for contributing to global warming, as many industries rely upon damaging modes of production. The Trump administration has met this fact with little regard to the environment; a large focus is being made in sustaining industries that contribute to environmental damage, such as the collection of fossil fuels. In order to prevent irreversible damage to our globe, we must not allow leaders like Donald Trump to damage enormous parts of the world through the duration of his term. As he has already begun the process of cutting environmental protection programs, we as citizens must be responsive and work to protect the environment. Telnaes shows the world as a sandwich and Donald Trump taking a large bite out of North America in order to show how his policies are negatively affecting the globe. Americans should be prioritizing environmental protection, as it is not only a matter for this generation, but also all future generations. While Trump has not yet reached 100 days in office, the consequences on our environment will become more apparent as he continues to cut federal spending for clean energy. Talnaes demonstrates in her cartoon that the President of the United States is placed with very large power to damage the environment, something that must be protected by citizens.

Donald Trump depicted taking a bite out of the Earth.

Works Cited

Milman, Oliver. “EPA Head Scott Pruitt Denies That Carbon Dioxide Causes Global Warming.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 9 Mar. 2017, www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/09/epa-scott-pruitt-carbon-dioxide-global-warming-climate-change. Accessed 23 Apr. 2017.

Telnaes, Ann. “Earth Day with a Side of Fossil Fuels.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 22 Apr. 2017, www.washingtonpost.com/news/opinions/wp/2017/04/22/earth-day-with-a-side-of-fossil-fuels/?utm_term=.fbe606e51843. Accessed 23 Apr. 2017.