Extreme heat is driving Arizona’s political debate on climate change

Arizona is experiencing severe climate impacts, making climate change a critical issue for voters and politicians in the 2024 elections.

Marcus Baram reports for Capital & Main.

In short:

• Arizona has seen a 1,000% increase in heat-related deaths over the past decade, with intense droughts, wildfires, and floods becoming more common.
• Climate change concerns dominate local political debates, influencing legislation and voter priorities in this battleground state.
• Republican legislators are divided on climate policies, with some controversial bills being killed due to internal disagreements.

Key quote:

“This year, we’ve seen the widest margin in favor of conservation.”

— Dave Metz, pollster

Why this matters:

With rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and more frequent wildfires, the state's voters and politicians are feeling the heat—literally and figuratively. The situation is pushing climate policy to the forefront of political discourse, compelling candidates to address environmental sustainability and resilience.