Can the Democrats’ Climate Change Agenda Win Over Voters in 2020?

While the existence of climate change is a widely accepted fact, many Democrats face the challenge of making climate action a priority for the 2020 election. It’s not about convincing people that climate change exists—most Americans including a majority of Republicans already believe in it. The real challenge lies in shifting public perception and making climate change a top priority for general elections.

Understanding Public Opinion

Most Americans, including a significant number of Republicans, acknowledge the reality of climate change. However, the majority does not see it as a pressing issue. This is particularly true when compared to immediate concerns such as jobs, the economy, and local issues.

A recent study found that climate change ranks lower than other concerns like the economy, jobs, and security when voters are asked to rank issues by importance. Even in regions where temperature changes could impact people directly, such as Chicago or Miami, the public seems less concerned with the idea of making it colder or hotter.

Politics and Oversimplification

During elections, candidates often focus on the narrative that “I’m not Trump.” This approach is more about political positioning rather than offering comprehensive solutions to complex issues. While polling indicates that majorities believe in climate change, this belief does not necessarily translate into a desire for immediate action or prioritization.

Efforts to frame climate change more positively have proven effective. For instance, the term “global warming” was initially created by Frank Luntz, a Republican strategist, to make the issue more palatable to a broader audience. His work has helped to integrate environmentalism into the Republican mindset and influenced moderate voters.

Environmental Issues in the General Election

On election day, environmental issues typically don’t play a decisive role. Even if global warming is indisputable, the urgency of the issue often does not resonate with voters. The public’s primary concerns tend to be more immediate and tangible, such as economic stability, job security, and local issues.

Landmark studies show that the percentage of scientists who do not believe in anthropogenic global warming is negligible. However, the public’s perception still lags behind this scientific consensus. Therefore, the challenge for Democrats is not to gain acceptance of the science, but to make climate action a priority in voter decision-making.

Addressing Voter Priorities

For Democrats to gain an edge in the 2020 election, they need to shift the focus away from the basic existence of climate change and towards the practical and actionable outcomes of addressing it. This means demonstrating how policies to combat climate change can contribute to a better quality of life, job creation, and economic stability.

Tackling climate change involves creating jobs in renewable energy, improving public health, and promoting sustainable development. By framing climate action in a way that resonates with voters’ priorities, Democrats can make a compelling case for their candidates.

Conclusion

The Democrats’ climate change agenda must go beyond the basic acknowledgment of climate change. It must address the practical concerns and immediate benefits of action. By focusing on the tangible outcomes and alignment with voter priorities, Democrats can secure a strong position heading into the 2020 election.