Protect Our Planet for the Next Generation, Protect Ourselves From Extreme Weather Now
- Jennifer Anderson | Serpentine Drive
While it often feels like Democrats and Republicans can’t find much to agree on these days, if we dig a little deeper we will find that we do have at least one thing in common – we agree that the most important reason to reduce global warming is “to provide a better life for our children and grandchildren.” Of the provided reasons to reduce global warming, this was the top choice over time and across party/ideology groups based on an April 2024 survey by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. This included liberal Democrats (65%), moderate/conservative Democrats (52%), liberal/moderate Republicans (43%), and conservative Republicans (27%).
The survey also found that the three reasons to reduce global warming that voters selected most often were to provide a better life for our children and grandchildren (47%), to help prevent extreme weather events (37%), and to prevent the destruction of most life on the planet (37%). These priorities suggest that while many voters think protecting future generations is an important reason to act, they might be increasingly motivated by present-day concerns as well.
If you watched the recent presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, you might conclude that climate change has not been a major focus of the presidential election campaign so far. Climate change can feel abstract and overwhelming in a world where people are just trying to get through their day. That doesn’t mean reducing greenhouse gas emissions is any less important.
Recent surveys show that a majority of Americans want their political leaders to address the climate crisis and that many prefer candidates who will enact policies to that effect.
Our California coast faces unprecedented impacts from a changing climate. California is already experiencing rising seas, coastal erosion, extreme heat waves, severe storms and associated flooding, a succession of droughts, and intense wildfires. While there are many important issues facing the world and our country right now, the outcome of this next election – at the federal, state and local levels – will have a tremendous and irreversible impact on our climate and our beloved California coast for generations to come.
Regardless of which political party you affiliate with, if you care deeply about our climate or our natural environment and agree with the majority of US voters that we must protect our planet for the next generation and protect ourselves from extreme weather, make your plan to vote by November 5th in this next election. Voter turnout will be key. Remind your friends, family and community members to vote. Talk to your children, grandchildren, and all young people you know. Help them understand the importance of voting, how and when to register and how and when to vote.
Addressing climate change is one of the most pressing challenges we face today. The international community will be watching how the U.S responds and leads. As will our children and future generations.