Climate Change Takes Center Stage at Democratic Convention: What to Expect
As the Democratic National Convention progresses, the spotlight is turning towards climate change and energy policy. On the final night of the convention, Vice President Harris is set to address the audience, with a lineup of videos and speakers focusing on climate policy and job creation. This planned programming was shared with NPR by a reliable source familiar with the event’s planning but not authorized to speak publicly.
Featured speakers for the evening include Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American to lead the Department of the Interior, Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost, and content creator John Russell. Russell, known for his significant following on TikTok, is expected to discuss the benefits of the clean energy economy, particularly in his home state of West Virginia.
While climate change was not a primary focus during the first three nights of the convention, it did make appearances in several speeches. The attention given to the issue on the final night indicates that Democrats view climate and energy as crucial campaign issues.
Manish Bapna, president of the NRDC Action Fund, commented on the evolving perception of climate change in politics. He noted, “Climate was not a campaign issue eight or 12 years ago. It was extremely difficult to get climate into one of the major debates, it was seen as a peripheral and not a central issue.” Bapna emphasized the shift towards viewing climate change as a kitchen table issue, affecting energy costs, job creation, and resilience to extreme weather events.
Earlier in the week, a coalition of climate groups announced a $55 million advertising campaign in support of Vice President Harris. The LCV Victory Fund, EDF Action Votes, Climate Power, and Future Forward are all investing in ads that will run in swing states, targeting younger voters, Black voters, and Latino voters with messages about clean energy policies and their impact on people’s lives.
Climate-focused groups have also been actively engaged in voter registration efforts in key swing states. The League of Conservation Voters has reported registering over 100,000 voters as part of their nonpartisan initiative, a significant step towards their 2024 goal. Advocates at the convention celebrated Vice President Harris’s pivotal role in passing the Inflation Reduction Act, a historic climate spending bill, with her tie-breaking vote in the Senate.
President Biden highlighted the launch of a Climate Corps and the creation of jobs in the clean energy sector during his opening night speech at the convention. The event “Climate Voters Go All In” brought together various environmental and energy-focused groups, featuring speakers like actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Buttigieg stressed the importance of ensuring that climate legislation reaches its full potential, stating, “Our messaging cannot be ‘okay we did the big climate bill, everyone should love us.’ It will either be developed or destroyed. Let us make sure that this legislation meets its potential.”
The convention serves as a platform for Democrats to showcase their commitment to addressing climate change and advancing clean energy initiatives. The focus on climate and energy policy reflects the growing recognition of these issues as central to the party’s agenda and the broader national conversation.
Subheadings:
1. The Evolution of Climate Change in Political Discourse
2. Mobilizing Support Through Advertising and Voter Registration Efforts
3. Advocating for Climate Action at the Democratic Convention
The efforts to raise awareness and drive action on climate change demonstrate the party’s dedication to tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time. As the convention continues, the emphasis on climate and energy issues sends a powerful message about the importance of environmental stewardship in shaping future policies and priorities.