25 September 2024
Democrats prioritize economic concerns over global climate goals
As U.S. energy production hits record highs, both major political parties are prioritizing job creation and domestic energy independence, sidelining global climate action.
In short:
- Both Democrats and Republicans are focusing on U.S. energy production, including fossil fuels, despite climate pledges.
- The Inflation Reduction Act, which Vice President Harris helped pass, supports oil and gas development alongside clean energy investment.
- Voters are more concerned with economic issues like job creation and energy prices than with climate policy.
Key quote:
“If voters think climate policy is a loser for jobs and the economy, it becomes a losing issue.”
— Samantha Gross, head of energy security and climate research at the Brookings Institution
Why this matters:
Prioritizing jobs and domestic energy production over efficient global climate solutions could slow U.S. decarbonization, undermining global climate goals and contributing to further environmental harm.
