TL/DR –
So, America just had a climate election where folks were side-eyeing the presidential candidates who ghosted on climate talk, but don’t get it twisted—voters still stamped their green approval all over those ballots. Turns out, while the economy was the main squeeze, climate issues were the quiet, underrated side chick that helped some Democratic senators snatch victory. The climate action train is chugging along faster than a Tesla on turbo, showing that saving the planet might just be the new bipartisan love language.
Thinking about climate change? The recent election might seem like Americans just don’t vibe with your eco-enthusiasm. But hold up—it’s not that simple. President-elect Trump did win while promising to reverse climate policies, yet many voters actually prioritized the environment. In states that favored Trump, some Democratic senators scored wins by focusing on green issues. Plus, environmental measures succeeded across blue and red states. So, what happened to the climate vote?
“Climate wasn’t on the presidential ballot,” Pete Maysmith from the League of Conservation Voters said. “Voters are complex; the economy overshadowed everything.”
Climate chatter was MIA at the presidential level, but exit polls show 7% of voters ranked it top five, doubling since 2020. The real talk? Climate voters are flexing their muscles more than ever.
While climate may not be Numero Uno for everyone, it’s far from ignored. Big wins for eco-friendly initiatives across the U.S. prove it. In Cali, $10 billion was allocated for climate action. Washington state upheld its Climate Commitment Act. Even in pro-Trump states like Louisiana and South Carolina, conservation efforts passed with flying colors.
Issues like the economy and immigration ruled the presidential vote, but downballot races in battlegrounds such as Arizona and Michigan showed climate mattered. Democratic candidates pulled ahead, thanks to eco-conscious voters. Arizona’s Ruben Gallego and Nevada’s Jacky Rosen saw over 90% support from climate-forward voters.
Michigan mixed economic woes with green dreams. Elissa Slotkin edged out a Senate win amid fierce debates over the state’s electric car future. “Mess with livelihoods, face the music,” said Lori Lodes from Climate Power, noting clean energy’s growing, bipartisan appeal.
Despite presidential setbacks, eco-progress marches on. Between 2015-2020, nearly 30% of state-level carbon-reduction bills passed in Republican states. And recently, some GOP leaders embraced clean energy tax credits. “Long-lasting climate advances need cross-party support,” David Kieve of Environmental Defense Fund Action emphasized. This teamwork is key as we aim for greener pastures.
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Original Story at grist.org
