Polls are underestimating the importance ofclimate changeto the average American.
Every election cycle, pollsters hone in on core issues top of mind for the American public.
Economic and scientific models paint a challenging future.
A Lufthansa Airbus A350-941 approaches San Diego International Airport for a landing on a flight from Munich as afternoon traffic sits on Interstate 5 during the afternoon commute heading into downtown San Diego on Oct. 4, 2024 in San Diego, California.Kevin Carter/Getty Images
In the era of the climate crisis, costs skyrocket as harvests fail from droughts and extreme heat.
Insurance premiums explode as flood and fire risks become guarantees.
Real estate values plummet as beach-front properties become submerged by the very beaches they once adorned.
We see a particular environmental justice burden on women, youth, and people of color, too.
The reality is that climate change is no longer a distant issue.
Fire season continues to spread across the West, displacing thousands of Americans from their homes.
At this point, none of this is novel, and Americans are constantly addressing these issues at home.
These intersecting crises have taken a toll on national morale.
In the pages of her most recent policy plans, Vice President Kamala Harris is doing just that.
In some ways, were opposites.
One of us is on the ground mobilizing a grassroots movement of voters around a systemic climate agenda.
But we are both fighting for bold action on inequality and climate.
For both of us, the climate crisis is personal.
We are unified in acknowledging that we can no longer hesitate on climate action.
Together, we are pushing for top-down and bottom-up systemic change.
And that starts with changing our national discourse so that it truly reflects the reality of everyday Americans.
Climate justice frames every other issue on the ballot this fall.
Theyre real, theyre ubiquitous, and theyre actively unfolding.
We need to start legislating and voting accordingly.
In this election, one candidate has a history of fighting for climate justice.
