As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris emerges as a strong contender for the Democratic nomination, garnering enthusiastic support from climate advocates. President Joe Biden has established a robust pro-climate legacy, but Harris’s own track record on environmental issues makes her a formidable climate candidate.
Tiernan Sittenfeld of the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund praises Harris as a “tremendous champion” for climate and environmental justice. Her commitment spans decades, marked by actions such as suing oil giants and sponsoring the Green New Deal resolution in the Senate. As Vice President, she cast the decisive vote for the Democrats’ landmark climate bill.
Gina McCarthy, Biden’s first national climate adviser, emphasized Harris’s dedication to ensuring clean air, water, and a healthy environment for all Americans. Harris’s candidacy arrives at a crucial time, with 2023 setting a record as the hottest year, and 2024 continuing the alarming trend. The urgent need for massive clean energy deployment by decade’s end is underscored by scientists and energy groups.
Harris’s climate stance starkly contrasts with her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, who has pledged to withdraw the U.S. from climate commitments and promote fossil fuels. Jamal Raad of Evergreen Action highlighted the potentially disastrous impact of a Trump presidency on the planet.
Democrats plan to leverage their climate agenda to galvanize young voters, an area where Biden struggled. Harris’s distance from some of Biden’s more controversial climate decisions, such as the approval of the Willow project in Alaska, could benefit her. The youth-focused Sunrise Movement is watching to see if Harris distinguishes herself from Biden on such issues.
Should Harris win, her administration would focus on continuing Biden’s climate initiatives, including defending key environmental regulations. A significant early task would be setting ambitious climate pollution reduction targets by 2035, in line with the Paris Agreement—contrary to Trump’s vow to exit the accord again if elected.
Harris’s strong relationships within Biden’s environmental team, like EPA Administrator Michael Regan, underscore her hands-on approach to issues like lead pipe remediation and climate funding. Regan describes Harris as a leader who “digs in” deeply on crucial matters, reflecting her commitment to substantial climate action.
Source: CNN, Opinion by Ella Nilsen
