US (Washington Insider Magazine) -With climate change driving extreme weather worldwide — from wildfires to hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a stark warning. “We are playing Russian roulette with our planet,” he said on June 5, urging for urgent action.
However, in the United States, where Guterres made his remarks, the climate crisis has taken a backseat in the lead-up to the presidential election. Despite the clear and present dangers, environmental advocates warn that the showdown between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump could have lasting global consequences.
“The US has a massive impact on both global politics and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Ariel Moger, government affairs director at Friends of the Earth Action. “In many ways, the fate of our planet is in the hands of American voters.”
Climate Action Takes a Backseat
As the world’s second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, the US plays a critical role in climate policy. Yet, issues like the economy, immigration, and foreign policy have dominated the election campaign, sidelining the climate crisis. Moger pointed out that economic issues often feel more immediate to voters than the looming climate threat.
Still, surveys show that a majority of Americans want their leaders to address climate change. A recent report by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication revealed that 62% of voters support candidates who pledge to take climate action. However, the economy remains the top issue for many.
Impact of Extreme Weather
As the US braces for more extreme weather events, Moger expects climate change to become a more prominent election issue. “When people are suffering from record heat, drought, and wildfires, it’s harder for candidates to ignore the climate crisis,” she said.
Ashley Dancer, a PhD student at the University of Colorado Boulder, noted that climate change may be a key factor in what is expected to be a close election. “In 2020, concern over climate change likely played a role in Biden’s victory,” she explained. A study found that without climate change as an issue, Republicans could have seen a 3% swing in the popular vote.
Stark Policy Differences
Biden and Trump’s climate policies could not be more different. Biden rejoined the Paris climate accord and passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which set ambitious climate goals. Trump, on the other hand, withdrew from the Paris accord, questioned the existence of climate change, and vowed to roll back environmental regulations if re-elected.
Despite criticism from environmentalists for not going far enough, Biden’s climate policies represent significant progress. Yet, many Americans remain unaware of these efforts. The Yale report found that nearly 40% of voters had heard “nothing at all” about the Inflation Reduction Act.
Voter Turnout Crucial
Moger emphasized that voter turnout will be key in determining the future of climate policy. “Biden has time to take more significant steps, but Trump’s policies would be disastrous,” she said. “If the US doesn’t lead by example, the whole world will suffer.”
In a tight race, climate change could be a decisive issue — one that affects not just America, but the entire planet.
