Most Americans don’t know the country’s biggest climate law helps the climate

Let’s imagine you had the occasion to name the most significant effort in American history to combat climate change, what would it be called? This chance fell into the hands of Democrats in August 2022, when they approved a bill allocating close to $369 billion towards renewable energy, electric vehicles, energy-efficiency upgrades for homes, and other green technologies. Surprisingly, the legislation negotiated with Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, was named the Inflation Reduction Act rather than a climate-focused name. Despite the noteworthy goals of the law to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, it has not garnered significant recognition among Americans, with about 4 in 10 registered voters unaware of it, according to a recent poll. This lack of awareness among even liberal Democrats poses a communication challenge for the Democratic Party, especially as the 2024 presidential election approaches. The law, now known simply as the IRA, has yielded positive outcomes since its enactment, yet its title and messaging may have hindered its public perception. As efforts continue to communicate the significance of the IRA in addressing climate change, key challenges remain in capturing attention and fostering appreciation for the groundbreaking legislation.