2024
Harris endorsed by 350 climate leaders ahead of 2024 election
More than 350 prominent climate advocates have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, citing her long-standing commitment to climate action.
In short:
- Climate leaders, including John Kerry and Hillary Clinton, endorsed Harris, emphasizing her dedication to climate issues.
- Harris has a history of climate advocacy, including legal action against fracking and promoting net-zero emissions.
- The endorsement aims to energize young voters who view climate change as a critical issue.
Key quote:
"Her candidacy instantly lit an electric spark under young people across the country."
— Jay Inslee, Governor of Washington.
Why this matters:
Harris's commitment to climate change could mobilize a key voter demographic concerned with environmental issues. This support may influence the direction of U.S. climate policy if she is elected.
Additional EHN coverage:
Harris narrows potential VP picks to climate, energy moderates
Vice President Kamala Harris is considering running mates who balance her climate stance with moderate energy policies.
In short:
- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro are among Harris' potential VP choices.
- Beshear and Cooper have a history of winning elections in conservative states, which could broaden Harris' appeal.
- Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, who has supported water regulation policies, also emerges as a potential pick.
Key quote:
"I love serving the people of Kentucky. The only way I would consider something other than this current job is if I believed I could further help my people and to help this country."
— Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky
Why this matters:
Choosing a moderate vice presidential candidate may help Harris appeal to a broader electorate. This strategy could be pivotal in securing critical electoral votes in the upcoming election.
Related EHN coverage:
Election outcomes won't shift climate goals, Cop29 leader says
At the upcoming UN climate summit, Cop29, the newly elected leaders around the world will be expected to uphold the same stringent climate commitments as their predecessors, emphasizing the universal urgency of addressing global warming.
In short:
- Cop29, slated for November in Azerbaijan, comes after a pivotal election year globally, stressing the continuity of climate obligations regardless of political changes.
- Mukhtar Babayev, the incoming president of Cop29, remains optimistic about maintaining progress on climate objectives, urging for global cooperation and commitment.
- Amidst increasing global temperatures, the summit aims to keep the focus on the crucial 1.5C goal, highlighting the role of both public and private sectors in achieving a green transition.
Key quote:
“I don’t think that any election will change the policy of any countries to move forward the consolidation of these issues [on the climate].”
— Mukhtar Babayev, incoming president of Cop29
Why this matters:
The insistence on holding newly elected governments to their climate commitments reflects the global consensus on the imperative to combat climate change. This stance, especially in a year marked by significant elections and potential political shifts, emphasizes the continuous effort required to achieve and sustain global environmental goals, directly impacting health outcomes by mitigating the effects of climate change.
Be sure to check out EHN’s audio diaries from COP28: Part 1 and Part 2.
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