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5 ways climate issues played out in the US election

(Climate Home News, 5 Nov 2020) As the White House race enters the final stretch, victory is within reach for Joe Biden – raising hopes of renewed US engagement with the climate crisis after four years of denial under President Donald Trump.

For the first time in history, climate was very much on the ballot in this election. Voters faced a choice between climate inaction or a $2 trillion green revolution.

From a focus on clean energy in the presidential debates to the outcome of key senate races, here are five takeaways on the climate.

1. Most Americans consider climate change a serious threat

60% of Americans now view climate change as a major threat to the wellbeing of the United States, compared to 44% in 2009. The rise in concern is mainly among Democrats. In a survey in August, 68% of Biden supporters said climate was very important to their vote, compared to just 11% of Trump voters. Exit polls showed that two-thirds of voters see climate change as a serious problem. 

For the first time climate change featured as a prominent issue in the presidential debates. In both debates, Biden and Trump were asked how they would create jobs while tackling climate change and how they would ensure environmental justice. 

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Climate Home News, 5 Nov 2020: 5 ways climate issues played out in the US election