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20 - Why Climate Change is on the Ballot

20 - Why Climate Change is on the Ballot

What’s at Stake in the U.S. Election

The Climate Mentor
November 4th, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Right or left

As Americans prepare to vote on November 5, the future of U.S. climate policy hangs in the balance.

While climate change has largely taken a backseat in the presidential race, recent polls reveal that it remains a priority for millions of voters, especially young people and those in vulnerable communities.

A group of diverse American voters at polling booths in a voting center decorated with U.S. flags and patriotic bunting. Voters are standing in individual booths marked with the word 'VOTE,' while others are waiting and reviewing ballots in the background, with a large American flag hanging on the wall behind them.

Voters at Polling Stations for U.S. Election Day

The Economic toll of Climate Change 🌡️💸

The economy is top of mind for voters, and climate change poses a significant economic threat.

According to NOAA, extreme climate events cost the U.S. an estimated $150 billion annually🔥.

As temperatures rise, so do economic losses.

Research from the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute estimates that for every degree Fahrenheit increase, the U.S. GDP shrinks by nearly 1%.

Globally, unchecked warming could lead to catastrophic costs, with one study from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research suggesting potential losses of up to $551 trillion—nearly 19 times the size of the U.S. economy.

Banner of the Energy Policy Institute

Where do US voters stand?

Support for the claim that human activity is the principal driver of climate change experienced a dip for a number of years, but it recovered in 2024, with 54% of respondents concurring.

Democrats saw the biggest growth, rising 7 percentage points in a single year.

Belief in human-driven climate change" refers to respondents saying they believe climate change is caused entirely or mostly by human activities. Due to a small sample size, the difference between the beliefs of young and old Republicans could only be reported in certain years where there was statistical significance.

Climate attitudes over the years

Americans' Opinions on Energy and Climate Policy🌊 📊

The next president should prioritize protecting our air, water, land, and wildlife, reducing emissions, and expanding clean energy, according to around half of Americans📗.

Although over three-quarters of Democrats favor these policy goals, there is a clear partisan gap. The one issue that polls show that Republicans favor more than Democrats is the development of fossil fuels.

Republicans favor more than Democrats is the development of fossil fuels. Even there, Republicans over 45 account for the majority of the support, with 53 percent in favor. Only 35% of younger Republicans support the development of fossil fuels, putting them closer to Democrats on this topic than their older counterparts.

Support for climate and energy issues

The Climate Divide

Kamala Harris and the Democrats 🌍🌱: Harris has a long-standing commitment to tackling climate change.
She cast the tiebreaking vote for the Inflation Reduction Act, the most significant climate policy in U.S. history, driving clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Harris supports policies like the Green New Deal, pollution fees, and international climate funding 🌎. She frames climate as a justice issue, focusing on vulnerable communities and job creation in clean energy sectors ⚡🔋.
Donald Trump and the Republicans 🛢️⛽: Trump has consistently opposed climate initiatives, labeling climate change a "hoax." His administration overturned numerous environmental regulations, withdrew from the Paris Agreement, and proposed "Project 2025" which includes dismantling environmental agencies and promoting fossil fuel extraction 🚨. If elected, Trump plans to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act and expand oil and gas drilling 🌐.

America goes to Vote

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