The 2024 U.S. presidential election presents a critical choice for the future of climate change policy. As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, the next administration will have a significant role in determining how the U.S. addresses environmental challenges, from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to preparing for natural disasters.
This election pits Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, against Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, who represent sharply different views on climate action, renewable energy, and environmental regulation.
Why Climate Change Matters in 2024
Climate change is no longer a distant concern; it’s a reality affecting millions of Americans today. Wildfires, extreme heat waves, devastating hurricanes, and rising sea levels are becoming more frequent and severe, underscoring the urgent need for effective climate policies. The decisions made by the next president will impact not only how the U.S. responds to climate disasters but also how we contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The stakes in 2024 are particularly high because the window for meaningful climate action is closing. Scientific consensus warns that failing to take bold action soon could result in irreversible damage to the planet. Voters in this election will have a clear choice between two drastically different approaches to climate policy, which could shape the country's environmental future for generations.
Kamala Harris: A Focus on Aggressive Climate Action
Kamala Harris, running as the Democratic nominee, has made climate change a central part of her platform. As part of her broader environmental vision, she is committed to bold, comprehensive climate action that aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement and aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Here are some key elements of her climate policy:
- Phasing Out Fossil Fuels: Harris supports transitioning the U.S. away from fossil fuels and toward clean energy sources. She advocates for ending federal subsidies for oil and gas companies and banning new fracking on public lands.
- Expanding Renewable Energy: Harris’s plan includes a massive investment in clean energy infrastructure, such as wind, solar, and electric vehicle (EV) development. She has called for an ambitious expansion of clean energy to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2035.
- Environmental Justice: A hallmark of Harris’s climate policy is her focus on environmental justice. She has pledged to direct climate funding toward low-income communities and communities of color that are disproportionately affected by pollution and climate-related disasters.
- Green Jobs and Economic Transition: Harris sees climate action as an economic opportunity, promoting the creation of millions of green jobs. She plans to invest in retraining programs for workers currently employed in fossil fuel industries, ensuring a just transition to a greener economy.
- Global Leadership on Climate Change: Harris is committed to rejoining and strengthening the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the importance of U.S. leadership in international climate efforts. She also supports increasing U.S. funding to help developing countries transition to clean energy and deal with the effects of climate change.
Donald Trump: Prioritizing Fossil Fuels and Deregulation
Donald Trump, the Republican candidate and former president, takes a starkly different approach to climate change. During his first term in office, Trump rolled back numerous environmental regulations and withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement. His campaign for 2024 continues to emphasize energy independence and economic growth through the expansion of domestic fossil fuel production. Key aspects of Trump’s climate-related policies include:
- Promoting Oil, Gas, and Coal: Trump has consistently advocated for increasing U.S. production of fossil fuels, including oil, natural gas, and coal. His platform focuses on energy independence, arguing that relying on American fossil fuels strengthens the economy and reduces dependence on foreign energy sources.
- Rolling Back Environmental Regulations: Throughout his presidency, Trump weakened or rolled back over 100 environmental protections, including limits on methane emissions and vehicle fuel efficiency standards. In 2024, he continues to support reducing regulatory burdens on industries that he believes are hampered by government intervention.
- Skepticism of Climate Science: Trump has long expressed doubt about the severity of climate change, often downplaying the need for aggressive action. He supports a more voluntary, market-driven approach to reducing emissions, with less government intervention and fewer regulations on energy production.
- Disaster Relief Over Climate Mitigation: While Trump has supported federal disaster relief efforts in response to climate-related events like hurricanes and wildfires, he has not focused on policies to reduce the drivers of climate change. His approach emphasizes reactive disaster response rather than proactive climate mitigation.
The Environmental Stakes of the Election
The 2024 election could result in dramatically different environmental futures for the U.S., depending on who wins the presidency. Here’s what’s at stake:
1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Kamala Harris has committed to reducing emissions in line with scientific recommendations, including a national goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Her policies focus on phasing out fossil fuels and rapidly expanding renewable energy infrastructure.
- Donald Trump, on the other hand, favors expanding fossil fuel production and rolling back regulations aimed at reducing emissions. Under Trump’s policies, the U.S. would likely see an increase in carbon emissions, further accelerating climate change.
2. Renewable Energy
- Harris has an ambitious plan to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035, with significant federal investments in wind, solar, and electric vehicles. She views the renewable energy sector as a key driver of future economic growth.
- Trump has been more skeptical of renewable energy, often questioning its reliability and cost-effectiveness. His policies prioritize fossil fuel development over investments in wind, solar, or electric vehicle infrastructure.
3. Disaster Preparedness and Relief
- Harris is committed to investing in infrastructure that can withstand the growing impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, stronger hurricanes, and heatwaves. Her plan includes targeted funding to help vulnerable communities adapt to these changes.
- Trump emphasizes disaster relief after the fact, rather than investments in climate resilience. While his administration has provided federal assistance for natural disasters, his policies do little to address the underlying causes of climate change.
4. International Climate Cooperation
- Harris strongly supports U.S. participation in global climate agreements, particularly the Paris Agreement, and advocates for stronger international cooperation on climate change.
- Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement during his first term and has expressed skepticism toward global climate pacts, preferring to prioritize domestic energy independence over international climate commitments.
Conclusion
The outcome of the 2024 election will have profound consequences for the future of climate change policy in the United States and beyond. Kamala Harris offers a vision of aggressive climate action, renewable energy development, and environmental justice, while Donald Trump promises a continuation of deregulation and fossil fuel expansion. For voters concerned about the environment and climate change, this election represents a defining moment in the fight to protect the planet for future generations.
