politics
The Earth is sizzling, but 'climate hushing' is hot right now among Democrats. 'People are increasingly freaked out about other issues'
Climate change has been the backdrop to Charles Hughes’ entire life, from kindergarten lessons about disappearing habitats to wildfire smoke billowing through the air he breathed while growing up in Colorado. But now that he’s a college student in Massachusetts, he said global warming is rarely a top issue.
TL;DR
- Democrats are experiencing a shift in political conversation, with climate change being discussed less frequently, a phenomenon called 'climate hushing.'
- Voters and political strategists indicate that issues like affordability, U.S. support for Israel, and confronting Donald Trump are currently prioritized over climate change.
- Groups like the Sunrise Movement have broadened their mission beyond climate change to address more immediate concerns, such as fighting 'fascism.'
- Some Democratic strategists and think tanks suggest that downplaying climate change might be a strategic approach to regain political power.
- While the political discourse has quieted, scientists warn that climate change impacts are worsening, with potential for record-breaking hot years.
- Advocates are beginning to frame climate action in terms of affordability and cost savings to resonate with voters.
- The Massachusetts U.S. Senate primary highlights the shift, with incumbent Ed Markey focusing on other issues besides the Green New Deal.