Critical Analysis of a Political Cartoon on Climate Change

This report offers a critical analysis of a political cartoon that satirizes the politics of climate change in the USA. The cartoon contrasts political statements, particularly those of President Donald Trump, with the tangible effects of climate change, such as floods and devastation. The analysis highlights Trump's initial denial of climate change and his later acknowledgment of its reality, prompted by severe weather events. The report discusses the cartoon's message about the triumph of nature over politics, criticizing the politicization of climate change. It references the President's opposition to the Paris Agreement and his eventual realization of the issue's significance due to the damage caused by environmental disasters. The report concludes that the cartoon effectively mocks the political maneuvers surrounding climate change, emphasizing the president's shift in stance and the broader recognition of climate-related threats. The report cites sources that provide context on urban governance and the politics of climate change, the global politics of climate change, and equity in climate change policy research.

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Critical Analysis of a Cartoon
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Critical Analysis of a Cartoon
The cartoon presents the satirical illustration of the politics of climate change in the USA.
As clearly outlined in the image, there is a contrast of a political statement, recantation of
political rhetoric, and the real effects of climate change in parts of the country. At the center of it
all is President Donald Trump who, since before his election, failed to acknowledge climate. To
him, climate is not real, but a hoax.
Indeed, the cartoon gives an accurate depiction of exactly what has been happening in the
USA. The images of flood, dead people, dead animals, submerged vehicles, and houses in
Georgia express how disastrous climate change can be.1 They show that climate change is a real
phenomenon that should be accepted by everyone who is concerned about the environment,
humanity and biodiversity in totality. Although President Trump had regarded climate change as
a hoax, it is not time to reconsider his position. The statement uttered by President Trump
indicates that he is not sure of the position he has taken regarding climate change.2 The events in
Georgia Florida is a clear proof that climate is a real challenge that the Americans should not
1Sonja, Klinsky, Timmons Roberts, Saleemul Huq, Chukwumerije Okereke, Peter Newell, Peter
Dauvergne, Karen O’Brien et al. "Why equity is fundamental in climate change policy research."
Global Environmental Change 44 (2017): 170-173.
2Vanesa, Broto, Castan. "Urban governance and the politics of climate change." World
development 93 (2017): 11.

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ignore. The agony that befell Americans after the heavy floods on rains and hails on May 12,
2019 shows that the Americans are worse-off. The situation should be addressed because its
impacts are quite massive.
The cartoon also delivers a message of the success of nature over politics. When Trump
became the president of the USA, he said that climate change is an idea that was invented by
China. As a proponent of climate change, President Trump had a feeling that his government
should be so committed to the reduction of green gas emissions. That is why he came up with the
policies which were seriously criticized. For example, on June 1, 2019, he officially withdrew
the country from the Paris Agreement. However, with the rampant cases of flooding, typhoons,
and hurricanes, it has a come a time when the President has to change his mind.3 The statement
he expresses in the image indicates that the president has realized that he has lost, but nature has
won. The massive destruction of properties, displacement of 5,088, and the death of 7 people in
Kakheti, Georgia is a clear proof that President Trump has been wrong in his rhetoric.
In conclusion, the cartoon mocks the politicization of climate change in the USA.
Although President Trump has been a fierce critic of climate change, it has come a time when he
now accepts that he was simply politicking. The heavy floods that ravaged Georgia and wreaked
havoc on thousands of the residents proved to the president that nature is, indeed, unforgiving.
He realized that he has been wrong and misleading. The Americans have realized that they are
endangered just like the rest of the global community that has been suffering from climate-
related problems.
3 Robert, Keohane, O. "The global politics of climate change: Challenge for political science."
PS: Political Science & Politics 48, no. 1 (2015): 20.

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Bibliography
Broto, Vanesa Castan. "Urban governance and the politics of climate change." World
development 93 (2017): 1-15.
Keohane, Robert O. "The global politics of climate change: Challenge for political science." PS:
Political Science & Politics 48, no. 1 (2015): 19-26.
Klinsky, Sonja, Timmons Roberts, Saleemul Huq, Chukwumerije Okereke, Peter Newell, Peter
Dauvergne, Karen O’Brien et al. "Why equity is fundamental in climate change policy
research." Global Environmental Change 44 (2017): 170-173.