skepticism

Donald Trump: Dirtiest U.S. President Ever

Donald Trump: Dirtiest U.S. President Ever

Make Pollution Great Again

Friday February 14, 2025 | Newsletter 15

While everyone is suffering daily whiplash from the unpredictable actions of the attention-seeking U.S. President, who dictates what we should focus on, I chose this week to shine a light on his abysmal environmental record. Each day, I posted a past editorial cartoon featuring Donald Trump, highlighting his horrific efforts to turn back the clock on progress toward a better planet for future generations.

Throughout his first term, Donald Trump’s actions and policies consistently undermined efforts to protect the environment, setting a dangerous precedent for his potential return to the presidency. This week, we explored his abysmal record through a series of editorial cartoons from that period, illustrating his disregard for ecological integrity. The horrors unleashed during his first term foreshadow an even more troubling future, as there is no indication that his stewardship of the planet will improve.

Sunday: The Legacy of Plastic Pollution

“This is Your Life in Single Use Plastics” (April 24, 2018)

This cartoon highlights the long-lasting impact of plastic waste, showcasing how every piece of disposable plastic carries a story tied to human experiences. During his first term, Trump’s push to roll back environmental protections, including regulations on single-use plastics, exemplifies a neglect of sustainable practices. In one of his early executive orders of his second Presidency he triumphantly put to end perhaps the greatest among the most ridiculous first world problems: paper straws. It was met with roaring cheers within the planet’s greatest throw-away society. His prioritization of short-term political gains over environmental responsibility signals a troubling trend that jeopardizes future generations.

Monday: Make Coal Great Again

Trump: Polluter of the Skies (November 23, 2016)

In this cartoon, Trump is depicted as a giant figure overshadowing a polluted landscape, emphasizing his commitment to reviving the declining coal industry while Canada advanced in reducing carbon emissions. Throughout his first term, Trump rolled back critical environmental regulations to support fossil fuels. This focus on short-term economic interests, at the expense of climate change and public health, raises serious concerns about what awaits in his upcoming term.

Tuesday: Attacking the Great Lakes

Trump at the Great Lakes (March 8, 2017)

In this cartoon, Trump is shown dismantling the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a critical program for protecting one of the world’s largest freshwater resources. His proposed budget cuts of up to 97% during his first term endangered restoration efforts vital for millions. This negligence toward clean water initiatives highlights a persistent trend of environmental degradation, suggesting that his future policies may continue to disregard essential ecological stewardship.

Wednesday: Withdrawing from Global Climate Agreements

“America First, Planet Last” (June 2, 2017)

This imagery illustrates Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, depicting him as a direct threat to global climate efforts. His exit during his first term positioned the U.S. as an outlier, undermining international cooperation essential for combating climate change. The ramifications of this withdrawal continue to echo, and with Trump’s return to office, American multilateralism isn’t in the backseat as it was in Trump’s first term, it’s tied up and muzzled in the trunk. There is zero reason to believe he will prioritize global climate responsibility.

Thursday: Flaming Misinformation

Trump Surrounded by Wildfire and Misinformation (September 15, 2020)

In the midst of devastating wildfires during his first term, Trump dismissed climate change as a factor, attributing the crisis solely to mismanagement. This cartoon captures the chaos and denial surrounding his administration’s approach to environmental issues. By downplaying the role of climate change, Trump perpetuates misinformation that obstructs meaningful dialogue and action on pressing ecological challenges—a trend that’s already been on repeat in 2025 with the devastating fires in southern California and around Los Angeles.

Friday: America’s Conspiracy Theory President

The politicization of disasters like hurricanes by figures like Donald Trump and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, through falsehoods and conspiracy theories, is a dangerous tactic that distracts from critical relief efforts and misleads vulnerable voters at a time when unity and factual information are most needed.

Politicizing Natural Disasters (October 9, 2024)

This cartoon illustrates the absurdity of politicizing natural disasters, highlighting the dangerous rhetoric employed by Trump and others. As Hurricanes tore through Florida and into North Carolina in October 2024, the sight of politicians leveraging human suffering for their gain was a stark reminder of how far we have strayed from the ideals of public service. The portrayal suggests that as disasters arise, Trump may exploit them for political gain, rather than addressing the underlying environmental issues exacerbated by his policies. His actions to advance conspiracy theories reflect a broader pattern of misinformation and of neglect that not only impacts public trust in essential services but also threatens the planet’s future.

An unveiling… Drum Roll Please…

My hope is the editorial cartoons from this week highlight the environmental issues worsened by Donald Trump’s presidency. His focus on short-term economic gains continues to harm efforts to protect our planet. This has fuelled climate change skepticism, especially with support from figures like Canada’s Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, creating challenges for initiatives like the Liberal carbon pricing scheme. Although this scheme was designed to reduce emissions, it has faced pushback due to poor communication and relentless and simplistic political rhetoric.

Last year, to celebrate the 4th anniversary of my viral “waves” cartoon, I came up with two new wave concepts to follow the biodiversity collapse wave: a Zombie Apocalypse and an Alien Invasion. But then, along came Michael Solomon, director of London based Profit Through Ethics Ltd., who proposed a new idea for the fifth wave. With excitement, we unveil a new fifth wave for the fifth anniversary of the illustration.

Drumroll, please …Trump! A fitting representation of the political upheaval that threatens not just environmental protection but the planet in general. To the many skeptics out there, keep washing your hands, and all will be well….

Update: the above illustration is the focus of a March 11, 2025 post

The “Four Waves” cartoon illustrates the growing crises we face, culminating in this new wave of political turmoil. As we reflect on these issues, it’s vital to advocate for accountability and prioritize environmental care for future generations. With Trump currently in office, we need to stay alert to the threats posed to our environment. I hope this series serves as a reminder of the importance of being actively engaged in the fight for sustainable solutions for our planet.

Posted to Substack

Tuesday June 18, 2024

June 18, 2024

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday June 18, 2024

Trust in Science and Expertise is Crucial to Preventing Future Viral Outbreaks

The recent surge in measles cases in Canada, particularly in Montreal, underscores the urgent need to address vaccine hesitancy and combat anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, with historical evidence emphasizing the proven efficacy of vaccines in preventing disease and protecting public health.

March 6, 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us many painful but invaluable lessons. One of the most significant is the paramount importance of trusting in science and heeding the advice of health experts. As we face the potential threat of the H5N1 avian influenza, it is crucial to remember these lessons and ensure that we prevent and mitigate such dangerous viral outbreaks through informed, science-based actions.

Science is our most powerful tool in understanding and combating infectious diseases. The rapid development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines were nothing short of miraculous, showcasing the incredible capabilities of modern scientific research. These vaccines saved countless lives and provided a pathway out of the pandemic. Similarly, ongoing research into H5N1 and other viruses holds the promise of new vaccines, treatments, and preventive measures that could protect millions.

Analysis: H5N1 Bird Flu Isn’t a Human Pandemic—Yet. American Contrariness Could Turn It into One  

January 27, 2023

However, the power of science is only as effective as our willingness to embrace it. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hesitancy and misinformation led to unnecessary suffering and death. Many people were swayed by pseudoscience, quackery, and unfounded claims, often promoted by individuals with no expertise in public health. This eroded trust in health interventions and hampered efforts to control the virus.

Health experts and scientists dedicate their lives to understanding diseases and developing ways to combat them. Their advice is based on rigorous research, data analysis, and peer-reviewed studies. When they warn of potential dangers or recommend specific actions, it is because the evidence supports those conclusions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci and organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided critical guidance that helped shape effective responses. Listening to their advice on mask-wearing, social distancing, and vaccination was key to reducing transmission and saving lives.

As we confront the threat of H5N1, it is vital to continue valuing and following the advice of health experts. The virus’s high fatality rate and recent spread to new animal hosts, including dairy cattle, highlight the urgency of taking proactive measures. Ignoring expert advice could lead to a preventable disaster. As noted by McMaster University’s Matthew Miller, “I have never been more worried in my career than I am about H5N1” due to its high case fatality rate and potential for rapid spread in new settings (Jon Wells, The Hamilton Spectator, June 17, 2024).

News:McMaster viral immunologist fears spread of bird flu virus with ‘staggering’ death rate

August 7, 2020

One of the most significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic was the spread of misinformation. Social media platforms and certain political figures contributed to a landscape where conspiracy theories and false information flourished. This misinformation not only caused confusion but also led to deadly consequences as people rejected proven health measures.

To prevent a similar scenario with H5N1 or any future viral threat, it is essential to combat misinformation vigorously. This requires a multifaceted approach: promoting scientific literacy and critical thinking skills to help people discern credible information from falsehoods, ensuring that health authorities and scientists communicate clearly, transparently, and frequently with the public, encouraging media platforms to prioritize accurate reporting and holding them accountable for spreading misinformation, and implementing policies to reduce the spread of false information, especially on social media.

News: A Bird-Flu Pandemic in People? Here’s What It Might Look Like

February 8, 2022

As a society, we must prioritize science and expert advice to safeguard public health. We need to invest in research, support and fund research into vaccines, treatments, and preventive measures for emerging infectious diseases. Strengthen public health infrastructure to build a resilient public health system capable of responding quickly and effectively to outbreaks. Foster trust by engaging with communities to build trust in health interventions and address concerns and misconceptions directly. Promote global cooperation by collaborating with international partners to monitor and respond to viral threats, recognizing that diseases know no borders.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring science and expert advice. As we face new threats like H5N1, we have the opportunity to apply the lessons learned and protect our communities. By valuing science and listening to health experts, we can prevent needless suffering and ensure a healthier, safer future for all. (AI)