In a world where climate change is causing more extreme weather events, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a stark warning, saying, “We are playing Russian roulette with our planet.” Despite this, the climate crisis has been sidelined in the US presidential election, raising concerns among environmental advocates about the impact on global climate policy.
The US, as the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has not made climate change a priority in the campaign, with economic issues taking precedence. However, recent surveys show that a majority of Americans want leaders to address the climate crisis and prefer candidates who will take action.
As the US faces wildfire outbreaks and extreme weather events, the discussion around climate change is expected to gain more importance in the lead-up to the election. The differences between Biden’s and Trump’s climate policies are significant, with Democrats viewed as more willing to address the issue. Political communication of climate policies plays a crucial role in connecting with voters. The outcome of a close election could be influenced by how climate change is addressed by candidates.