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
