As Americans prepare to vote on November 5, 2024, the presidential race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris is heating up. While key issues like the economy, immigration, and gun policy dominate discussions, climate change remains a less prominent topic, despite its increasing significance.

Despite the ongoing discussions around climate change, a Gallup survey shows that fewer than 5% of Americans rank it as a top concern. Climate change, primarily driven by human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, is linked to severe weather events. For instance, Hurricane Milton, which recently hit Florida, was intensified by climate change, contributing to significant loss of life and property.

With over 1,300 deaths annually in the US attributed to extreme heat, and record temperatures, it’s clear that climate change poses a real threat to public health and safety, underscoring the need for effective climate policies.

Kamala Harris views climate change as an “existential threat” and supports comprehensive climate policies initiated by the Biden administration. She backs the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which represents a significant investment in clean energy, aiming to reduce emissions and promote electric vehicles. Harris argues that these policies have created jobs and revitalized manufacturing in the US.

In contrast, Donald Trump has a longstanding skepticism towards climate change initiatives. During his presidency, he rolled back many environmental protections and withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement, a global commitment to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Trump has indicated that he would exit the agreement again if elected, promoting fossil fuel expansion instead.

  1. Paris Agreement: Trump’s withdrawal from the 2015 agreement contrasts sharply with Biden’s re-entry, a move supported by Harris. Trump plans to exit again, emphasizing energy independence through fossil fuels.
  2. Inflation Reduction Act: This act represents the largest climate investment in US history, with a focus on reducing emissions and promoting clean energy. Harris credits it with job creation, while Trump criticizes it as detrimental to employment and economic growth.
  3. Fossil Fuels: Harris’s stance has evolved on fracking; while she initially called for a ban, she now emphasizes the need for diverse energy sources. Trump remains committed to fossil fuel production, advocating for increased oil drilling and energy independence.

As the election approaches, the stark differences between Harris and Trump on climate policies highlight the varied approaches to one of the most critical issues facing the planet. While climate change may not dominate voter discussions, its implications are undeniable, making it essential for candidates to address it comprehensively.