Democrats shift focus as climate change takes a backseat in the 2024 election

Despite the urgency of the climate crisis, Democrats are downplaying the issue in the 2024 campaign, reflecting voter priorities and a lack of detailed plans.

Umair Irfan reports for Vox.

In short:

Kamala Harris briefly mentioned climate change at the Democratic National Convention, reflecting its diminished role in the 2024 campaign.
Polls show a decline in voter concern over climate change, with other issues like the economy and immigration taking precedence.
The Democratic Party remains divided on how aggressively to transition to renewable energy, complicating campaign messaging.

Key quote:

“Very few voters say this issue is determinative to their presidential vote this year.”

— Patrick Murray, Monmouth University Polling Institute

Why this matters:

Shifts in voter priorities could lead to less political momentum for climate action, potentially slowing progress on critical environmental policies.

www.vox.com

Democrats shift focus as climate change takes a backseat in the 2024 election

Record-breaking high tides spark chaos — and kayak commutes — across California

Antarctic sea ice decline is triggering global ocean changes

Seagrass restoration: Can damaged meadows be restored?

As the sea swallows a Nigerian community, migratory bird habitat disappears

I went to Mexico to test-drive the cars Americans can’t buy

New batteries that store blistering heat are taking off

Oregon’s extreme climate hazard days have quadrupled over 2 decades, study says

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.