As U.S. energy production hits record highs, both major political parties are prioritizing job creation and domestic energy independence, sidelining global climate action.
In short:
- Both Democrats and Republicans are focusing on U.S. energy production, including fossil fuels, despite climate pledges.
- The Inflation Reduction Act, which Vice President Harris helped pass, supports oil and gas development alongside clean energy investment.
- Voters are more concerned with economic issues like job creation and energy prices than with climate policy.
Key quote:
“If voters think climate policy is a loser for jobs and the economy, it becomes a losing issue.”
— Samantha Gross, head of energy security and climate research at the Brookings Institution
Why this matters:
Prioritizing jobs and domestic energy production over efficient global climate solutions could slow U.S. decarbonization, undermining global climate goals and contributing to further environmental harm.
