In Utah, a traditionally conservative state, the growing concerns over climate change are beginning to reshape the political conversation, with bipartisan support emerging for addressing the issue.
Marcus Baram reports for Capital & Main.
In short:
- Climate change impacts, including severe heat waves, droughts, and the shrinking of the Great Salt Lake, have heightened climate awareness among Utah's residents, with significant numbers recognizing it as a serious problem.
- Political candidates, acknowledging this shift, are incorporating climate action into their platforms, with initiatives ranging from clean energy support to air quality improvements.
- The dialogue around climate change in Utah reflects a broader national trend of increasing environmental awareness and a demand for sustainable policies.
Key quote:
"For voters, climate has become a bigger issue than it has been in the past."
— Josh Kraft, government and corporate relations manager for Utah Clean Energy.
Why this matters:
With climate impacts too visible and too serious to be ignored or obscured by fossil fuel money, public support for sustainable policies and climate action is growing louder with much of the impetus for action coming from younger voters. And yet, climate denial lives on.
