2024 presidential election
Newsletter
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The next president will face a climate reckoning
The climate crisis is battering the U.S., but the presidential debate barely touched on the issue, leaving many questions unanswered as Americans grapple with wildfires, hurricanes, and extreme heat.
In short:
- Extreme weather events, including wildfires and hurricanes, are causing widespread damage, yet presidential candidates have provided few concrete plans for addressing these disasters.
- The insurance industry is fleeing high-risk areas, leaving millions without coverage as climate impacts worsen, but this crisis remains largely ignored in political discussions.
- Kamala Harris and Donald Trump offer vague climate positions, with Harris focused on building on Biden’s climate policies and Trump advocating for more oil drilling.
Key quote:
“We can deal with this issue.”
— Kamala Harris, Vice President
Why this matters:
The climate crisis is no longer some distant, theoretical problem. It's here, smacking us in the face with wildfires, hurricanes, heatwaves, and floods. Regardless of their stance on climate policy, the next leader will have to answer for how they will protect American lives in the face of a changing, and increasingly hostile, environment. Read more: We mobilized to defend the EPA in Trump's first term. This time the stakes are even higher.
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Trump plans to dismantle climate funding from key law if elected
Donald Trump announced his intention to pull back unspent funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, a key climate law, should he win the 2024 election, sparking concern over its impact on climate projects, especially in Republican districts.
In short:
- Donald Trump vowed to cancel unused funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, targeting climate and energy programs.
- He floated a government efficiency commission, possibly led by Elon Musk, aimed at reducing government waste.
- The Biden administration has already allocated billions in climate funding, but much remains unspent, creating potential legal battles over clawing back those funds.
Key quote:
“I look forward to serving America if the opportunity arises. No pay, no title, no recognition is needed.”
— Elon Musk
Why this matters:
The Inflation Reduction Act is funneling billions into renewable energy projects, electric vehicles, and cleaner industry across the U.S.—including a lot of Republican-led states that could really use the cash. If Trump succeeds in cutting these funds, it could derail green energy jobs and infrastructure growth in areas that have started to see the benefits. Read more: House Speaker Mike Johnson’s climate change playbook — deny the science, take the funding.
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Republicans scramble as Democrats weaponize Project 2025
Democrats are turning the tables on Republicans by using Project 2025, a controversial conservative policy blueprint, as a powerful political weapon.
In short:
- Democrats are linking Republicans to Project 2025, a detailed policy manual, to portray them as extreme ahead of the upcoming election.
- Republicans, who once used the Green New Deal to attack Democrats, are now on the defensive as Project 2025 proves unpopular with voters.
- Polls show Project 2025’s policies, like cutting renewable energy funding and mass firing government workers, are largely rejected by the public.
Key quote:
“This is just rocket fuel for Democratic motivation and turnout.”
— Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), House Democratic task force leader.
Why this matters:
While the Green New Deal was about aggressively tackling climate change with sweeping reforms, Project 2025 seems to be a pivot in the opposite direction, potentially undermining environmental protections in favor of deregulation. For the average American, this could mean a rollback on efforts to curb emissions, protect public lands, and address climate justice. Read more: Greenwashing’s medieval age.
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DNC aims to lead by example with carbon reduction efforts at Chicago convention
Climate-conscious attendees at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago are being urged to actively participate in sustainability efforts, from carbon insetting to recycling and composting.
In short:
- The DNC has launched a Travel Carbon Inset Initiative to encourage attendees to donate to local sustainable projects, aiming to mitigate the event's carbon footprint.
- Sustainability measures include compost collection, increased recycling at the United Center and using grid power instead of diesel generators.
- Critics of carbon offsetting highlight that this initiative could serve as a more effective model for reducing emissions at large events.
Key quote:
“This convention has the potential to leave a transformative legacy.”
— Stephanie Katsaros, local sustainability advisor
Why this matters:
This move aligns with the broader shift we’re seeing across the board: organizations, events, and even individuals are looking for more authentic ways to reduce their environmental impact. It’s a small step in the right direction, showing that even large-scale political events can rethink their approach to sustainability, one donation at a time. Read more: Biden administration unveils plan to wean US government off single-use plastic.
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Harris could redefine climate leadership in 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris' entry into the presidential race has ignited hope among environmentalists that her administration could push climate action further than President Biden’s, particularly by holding Big Oil accountable and addressing historic injustices.
In short:
- Harris has a history of challenging the oil industry and supporting environmental justice, making her a strong contender for advancing climate policies.
- Her choice of running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, strengthens her climate credentials, especially given his success in making Minnesota carbon-free by 2040.
- Despite skepticism from the Trump campaign, Harris’ focus on real-world benefits and her ability to communicate climate issues resonate with many voters.
Key quote:
She has a record of "making sure that Black and brown and low-income communities aren’t disproportionately impacted by corporate pollution."
— Kaniela Ing, national director of The Green New Deal Network
Why this matters:
While she’s likely to continue Biden's pragmatic approach, Kamala Harris's history as a prosecutor and a champion for justice could bring a fresh perspective to the fight against climate change. Read more: Robbie Parks on climate justice and mental health.
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Project 2025’s hidden agenda: training videos reveal tactics for the next conservative administration
Project 2025’s training videos reveal how a future conservative administration plans to reshape the federal government by avoiding oversight and dismantling progressive policies, including on climate change.
Andy Kroll reports for ProPublica and Nick Surgey reports for Documented.
In short:
- Project 2025’s videos train political appointees on bypassing government bureaucracy and avoiding Freedom of Information Act disclosures.
- The videos emphasize eradicating climate change policies, altering gender equity initiatives and expanding certain federal agencies to control regulations.
- Trump’s connections to Project 2025 are downplayed in public, but the video content closely aligns with his previous administration's goals.
Key quote:
“The discovery that the vast majority of speakers in Project 2025 training videos are alumni of the Trump administration or have other close ties to Trump’s political operation is unsurprising further evidence of the close connection there.”
— Noah Bookbinder, president of the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Why this matters:
If this plan gets the green light, it could roll back decades of environmental progress, putting the health of our planet—and everyone on it—at serious risk. Read more: Supreme Court undoing 50 years’ worth of environmental progress.
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Harris taps Minnesota Governor Walz as her vice-presidential pick
Vice President Kamala Harris chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, highlighting his strong climate change record and appeal to working-class voters.
In short:
- Governor Walz is known for his environmental initiatives, such as Minnesota’s push for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040 and stricter vehicle emissions standards.
- Climate advocates, including the Sunrise Movement and Sierra Club, praised Walz for his leadership on clean energy and efforts to create safer communities.
- Walz’s folksy style and commitment to progressive causes like climate change make him a strategic choice to unify and energize Democratic voters.
Key quote:
“He gets that climate action isn’t about politics, it’s about protecting our small towns and cities. It’s about creating safer and healthier communities for our kids and grandkids.”
— Gina McCarthy, former EPA Administrator
Why this matters:
Walz stands out as a candidate who can bring a much-needed focus on environmental issues to the national stage. His blend of environmental advocacy and practical policymaking could provide a strong foundation for the administration's climate initiatives, making him a natural ally for Harris and a hopeful choice for climate advocates nationwide. Read more: Minnesota enacts nation’s broadest ban of “forever chemicals.”
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