Vice President Kamala Harris is reshaping the discussion around climate action by emphasizing the patriotic aspect of protecting the environment. In her recent speech at the Democratic National Convention, she emphasized the importance of “fundamental freedoms” which includes clean air, water, and a life free from the impact of the climate crisis. This approach is garnering support across the political spectrum, as a recent study from New York University suggests.
The study found that framing climate action as patriotic and essential in preserving the American way of life can increase support for environmental policies. By tapping into Americans’ sense of patriotism, politicians like Harris are aiming to bridge political divides on climate change. This tactic has also been championed by President Joe Biden, who has highlighted the importance of manufacturing electric vehicles domestically to lead the shift towards a greener future.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, involved almost 60,000 participants from 63 countries. Participants were exposed to messages that emphasized the patriotic duty of conserving natural resources for the sake of the nation. This approach was found to increase belief in climate change, willingness to share climate-related information, and support for environmental policies like carbon taxes and public transit expansion.
While appealing to patriotism has shown positive results in the United States, caution is advised in other countries where it might backfire. The use of patriotic language needs to be authentic and aligned with the values of the audience to be effective. Additionally, a competitive or nationalistic framing of environmental issues could lead to reduced support for climate policies, as seen in previous studies.
Overall, appealing to regional loyalty and pride can be a powerful tool in mobilizing support for environmental causes. By connecting climate action to values like patriotism and community pride, politicians and advocates can engage a wider audience and drive meaningful change towards a sustainable future.
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