voters
Newsletter
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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.
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
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Climate group boosts Harris campaign but withholds endorsement over policy concerns
The Sunrise Movement is ramping up voter outreach for Kamala Harris while withholding endorsement until she clarifies her climate policies.
In short:
- The Sunrise Movement plans to contact 1.5 million young voters for Kamala Harris but has not endorsed her.
- The group awaits more details on Harris’s climate agenda and stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- Other environmental groups have endorsed Harris, emphasizing the need to defeat Donald Trump.
Key quote:
“Let’s be clear: the most important climate policy right now is defeating Donald Trump in November.”
— Cassidy DiPaola, a spokeswoman for Fossil Free Media
Why this matters:
Young voters, crucial for Democrats, seek strong climate action. Harris's ability to address these concerns could impact her appeal to key voting blocs in the upcoming election.
Read more:
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Democrats should focus more on Black climate voters
As Democrats fine-tune their climate message for young voters, advocates urge the party to prioritize environmental justice for Black communities suffering from disproportionate pollution.
In short:
- Democrats emphasize climate change as a key issue for young voters but may overlook Black communities affected by pollution.
- Advocates call for more focus on environmental justice, noting that Black communities are hit hardest by climate-related issues.
- Vice President Kamala Harris is seen as a potential strong advocate for linking climate action to racial equity.
Key quote:
“When America is experiencing smoke, Black America is on fire. And when we have flooding, when we have wildfires, when we have those things that hit our community, our community so often feels the effects three to four times more than any other community.”
— Antjuan Seawright, campaign strategist for leading Black Democrats in Congress
Why this matters:
Climate change affects everyone, but Black communities often face the most severe consequences. Addressing this disparity is critical for both ethical reasons and effective voter mobilization.
Related:
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Credit: Element5 Digital/Unsplash
Poll reveals economic concerns outweigh climate issues in voter priorities
A recent poll suggests that emphasizing economic benefits, such as reduced energy costs, may be a more effective campaign strategy than focusing on climate change.
In short:
- The poll indicates that voters are more concerned with inflation and cost of living than climate change.
- President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act addresses both economic and environmental issues.
- The act's focus on clean energy expansion could enhance U.S. energy security and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources.
Why this matters:
This finding highlights the importance of framing climate policy in terms of its immediate economic benefits. It suggests a strategic approach for policymakers to gain broader public support for environmental initiatives.
Flashback to 2020: Climate, the campaign and the conventions.
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Biden needs young voters. Can his climate policy rally them?
Young people helped deliver victories for Democrats in the last two election cycles, motivated by issues like climate change, abortion rights and gun control. But Biden risks losing some of those voters — not to Trump, his likely opponent, but to disaffection.
Pixabay
Maine voters, seething over electric bills, to vote on power company takeover
Maine voters are joining a burgeoning national movement of consumers frustrated with power companies that they feel are unaccountable to ratepayers.
Image by Leopictures from Pixabay
3 ways to tell if a candidate is serious about climate change
There are lots of factors to consider when choosing who to vote for in an election. But if you're a voter who's concerned about climate change, here’s how to pick the candidate who will be most effective in addressing it.
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