We are living in the Anthropocene era. Instead of meteors and volcanoes changing the climate of the planet, mankind is the agent of change. Increasing greenhouse gas, deforestation, ocean acidification, overpopulation — all of these are features of what we are doing to our home.

The president does not believe in climate change, saying that it is a hoax. He has canceled many “green” projects, such as tax credits for solar panels, and has shut down half-finished wind turbine installations. He has encouraged oil companies to drill, drill, drill, even in the Arctic Wilderness Reserve. He has little interest in EVs, making it difficult for auto manufactures to plan for the future.

So, it seems that we are also living in the “Trumpocene” era. While the Pledge of Allegiance contains the word “indivisible,” Mr. Trump encourages and promotes division between red and blue. He favors the rich while starving the poor. He prefers war over defense. He is deploying the military against U.S. citizens. His tariffs are hurting farmers and angering our traditional trading partners. Health care will soon become much more expensive, if available at all. The list goes on.

This brings us to another “cene” word, one we can apply to the president’s inclinations and policies: obscene.

Edward Walworth, MD
Lewiston