As the 2024 US Presidential election draws closer, climate change remains a critical point of contention between the two main candidates, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
The first debate between the candidates showcased their starkly contrasting views on climate issues, setting the tone for ongoing discussions leading up to the November 5 election.
Trump on Climate Change
Donald Trump’s approach to climate change has been consistent with his tenure as president from 2017 to 2021. Notably, Trump initiated the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, a global accord aimed at limiting global temperature rise to under 2 degrees Celsius.
The decision to withdraw, finalized in 2020, came despite the US being a leading carbon emitter. Trump also frequently downplayed the significance of climate change, attributing environmental disasters like forest fires to forest mismanagement.
At a recent rally in Wisconsin, Trump linked the rising price of bacon to wind energy, claiming it has affected consumer behavior. His administration rolled back over 125 policies and laws designed to curb emissions and protect the environment, as reported by The Washington Post.
Harris on Climate Change
In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris has been a strong advocate for environmental action. As California’s Attorney General, she prosecuted several oil companies for environmental violations.
Her role as vice president saw her casting the tie-breaking vote for the Inflation Reduction Act, a policy that allocates $370 billion to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 40% compared to 2005 levels by the end of this decade.
During the first debate, Harris underscored the personal impact of climate change, particularly focusing on how extreme weather events affect home insurance rates and accessibility.
She also advocates for increasing the use of electric vehicles and providing subsidies for companies committed to reducing emissions.
With climate change shaping up to be one of the central issues in this election, both Trump and Harris continue to diverge on the best path forward, reflecting the wider divide among American voters on environmental policy. As the election nears, these differences will likely intensify, influencing voters on November 5.
