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.

Related: Climate groups emphasize economic benefits in Harris ad campaign