With the UN warning that current policies are inadequate to prevent a rise of over 3°C in global temperatures, this moment is pivotal for climate action. However, neither presidential candidate has addressed this urgency during their campaigns, despite severe weather events attributed to climate change impacting swing states recently.
Hurricane Helene, one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history, struck in September, claiming over 220 lives and causing extensive damage in North Carolina and Georgia. Just two weeks later, Hurricane Milton caused further destruction in Florida, with scientists indicating that climate change exacerbated both storms.
In contrast to the 2020 election, where climate change was a prominent issue for voters, it has become less of a priority in 2024, overshadowed by topics like the economy, immigration, and foreign policy.
What have Harris and Trump said about climate change?
The two presidential candidates have vastly different views on climate change, but neither has presented concrete plans for addressing it. Since becoming the Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris has shared limited details on her climate and energy policies. She briefly mentioned a transition away from fossil fuels while assuring Pennsylvania voters she wouldn't interfere with fracking. She also praised young voters at a Wisconsin rally for leading efforts to protect the planet, linking climate issues to a fundamental freedom.
Harris, part of a government that passed significant climate legislation, cast the tie-breaking vote on the Inflation Reduction Act, which aims for a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the decade. Her campaign suggests continuity with Biden's policies, relying on this legislative legacy for climate-conscious supporters.
Conversely, Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, have expressed skepticism about climate change, with Trump labeling it "one of the greatest scams of all time." The Republican campaign platform does not address climate change, and Trump has indicated a desire to dismantle existing regulations, advocating for increased fossil fuel production with the slogan "Drill, baby, drill."
Is climate change a major issue for U.S. voters?
Polling indicates that climate change has become less critical for many voters this election cycle compared to 2020. According to Pew Research Center data, only 37% of registered voters consider it "very important" to their voting decision. Support for Harris correlates with a higher emphasis on climate, with 62% of her supporters ranking it as a top concern, while only 11% of Trump supporters feel the same.
Recent Gallup polling highlights that climate change is one of only two issues regarded by less than half of voters as extremely important, with only 21% viewing it as crucial. Among Democratic voters, 36% prioritize climate change, contrasting sharply with just 5% of Republican voters.
Despite differing views on climate as an election issue, voters largely favor Harris for handling climate change; 61% overall prefer her approach compared to Trump. Among Democrats, this figure rises to 97%. In contrast, climate change ranks as an issue where Republican voters have the least confidence in Trump's abilities, with a quarter believing Harris would manage it better.
Could climate have been more of an election issue?
Although climate change has taken a backseat to other topics, individual environmental issues can still influence voter decisions. Concerns about extreme weather events have increased since 2017, according to the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. Some states are considering "Make Polluters Pay" bills, which would hold major fossil fuel companies accountable for environmental cleanup. Data For Progress found that two-thirds of likely voters support such measures, including half of Republican voters.
The trend aligns with previous surveys, where 64% of respondents expressed a greater likelihood of voting for candidates prioritizing accountability for oil and gas companies regarding climate damages. Among young voters, climate change remains a critical issue. The political action group Sunrise Movement noted that many young voters hesitate to support Harris unless she advocates for an arms embargo and presents a robust climate plan. Organizers indicate that Harris is missing a significant opportunity to mobilize young voters.