During a recent CNN-hosted debate between President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump, climate change only received a brief mention despite the pressing urgency of the issue.
The debate, which marked the first time the candidates had faced each other since October 2020, primarily focused on topics like immigration and the economy. Both candidates had their own agendas for the debate, with Biden highlighting concerns about Trump’s radical promises for a second term, while Trump aimed to emphasize his opponent’s alleged cognitive decline.
While the majority of the discussion centered on other issues, a brief moment came when the candidates were asked about addressing the climate crisis. Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts to promote clean energy technologies, while Trump provided a vague and incoherent response, boasting about previous environmental achievements that were later proven misleading.
Biden further elaborated on the significant climate legislation his administration had enacted, including the Inflation Reduction Act, which aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invest in clean energy programs. This contrasts starkly with projections of increased emissions and climate damage under a potential second term for Trump.
Despite the importance of the climate crisis, the debate largely ignored the topic, with Trump dismissing it as a “scam” and Biden highlighting the urgency of maintaining global warming below critical levels. Climate experts expressed disappointment in the lack of meaningful discussion on the issue during the debate.
Looking ahead, the contrast between the candidates’ climate policies underscores the significance of the upcoming election in determining the trajectory of U.S. emissions and global climate action.
