Opinion
The opinions expressed here belong solely to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of Horto-Logic LLC.
In the recent US presidential debate, of the 75 minutes of discussion, climate change was discussed for only 2. This starkly highlights a troubling trend in the current state of environmental discourse: despite the growing urgency of the climate crisis, it remains a peripheral topic in political arenas.
Environmental issues are no longer distant threats but immediate challenges. From unprecedented wildfires in California and Australia to record-breaking heatwaves in Europe and Asia, the impacts of climate change are increasingly visible and devastating. Yet, the brevity of climate change discussion in high-stakes political debates reflects a broader issue—an alarming disconnect between the urgency of environmental challenges and the priority they receive in policymaking.
This is not the case everywhere. As an international student from Norway, I am shocked by the lack of discussion on climate issues among college-age individuals in the US, compared to my home. Other issues, with immediately tangible results, seem to take precedent, and climate change takes a backfoot. This naturally bleeds in the focus of politicians trying to swing voters.
Several factors contribute to the marginalisation of climate issues in political discourse. Lobbying by powerful fossil fuel industries, partisan divides, and the short-term focus of electoral politics all play a role. Politicians may avoid detailed discussions on climate policies due to the perceived economic implications or fear of alienating certain voter bases.
Another potential reason is the lack of tangible benefits felt from policies improving environmental issues. If a new bill is passed, benefits won’t be felt until potentially generations down the line. People want to see immediate change from legislation, and climate policies simply don’t offer that. Politicians thus often choose to focus on issues that can be immediately felt, such as the economic or social policies.
Moreover, media coverage often mirrors this trend, with environmental issues receiving sporadic attention compared to more sensational or immediate news. This cyclical problem perpetuates a lack of comprehensive understanding and urgency among the general public.
To bridge the gap between awareness and action, a multi-faceted approach is necessary.
Voters must demand more substantial climate discussions and policies from their representatives and be patient in the face of long-term environmental policies. Media outlets should prioritise consistent and in-depth coverage of environmental issues. Additionally, bipartisan efforts are crucial to develop sustainable and effective climate policies.
In conclusion, the scant attention given to climate change in the recent US presidential debate is a microcosm of a larger issue. As the effects of climate change become increasingly dire, it is imperative that environmental discourse occupies a central place in political and public arenas. Only through sustained and focused effort can we hope to address the most pressing challenge of our time.
About me:
My name is Xander Hall, a Norwegian international student studying mathematics, economics, and environmental studies at Macalester College in Minnesota, USA!
Growing up in Norway, the environment has always been a concern of mine. I think we need to bring the environment back to the forefront of the discussion in the US, as it has fallen out of fashion as of late.
I also love sports, playing volleyball, basketball, football, and more recently frisbee and rugby.
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