“Unlocking the Power of Pro-Climate Voters in the 2024 Election: Key Findings and Insights”
In the upcoming 2024 election, the issue of climate change is set to play a crucial role in shaping policies both in the United States and globally. With federal climate policies such as the transition to clean energy, investments in underserved communities, and participation in international climate treaties at stake, voters’ choices will have a significant impact on the direction of climate action.
According to national polls, global warming is not ranked as a top policy priority by Americans compared to other issues. However, a substantial number of voters still consider it a very important voting issue, even if it may not be their top priority. The latest Climate Change in the American Mind survey reveals that 37% of registered voters in the U.S. are classified as pro-climate voters, indicating that they view global warming as a crucial issue influencing their vote for president and prefer candidates who support action on climate change.
Among pro-climate voters, liberal Democrats are the most likely group to prioritize climate action, followed by urban residents, Moderate/Conservative Democrats, individuals with a Bachelor’s degree or higher, and Hispanics/Latinos. These findings highlight the diverse demographic composition of pro-climate voters in the U.S.
Pro-climate voters are not only more likely to discuss global warming but also to engage with media coverage on the issue, emphasize the importance of climate action to their family and friends, and actively participate in efforts to reduce global warming. Additionally, pro-climate voters are more politically engaged, with a higher likelihood of supporting legislative measures such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed by Congress in 2022.
Despite the significance of the IRA in advancing climate action and clean energy initiatives, only about half of pro-climate voters are familiar with the legislation. However, after being informed about the IRA’s provisions, nearly all pro-climate voters express strong support for it, indicating a clear alignment between their values and policy preferences.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, pro-climate voters demonstrate a high likelihood of voting, with 89% expressing that they are very likely to participate. Given the substantial number of pro-climate voters in the U.S., estimated to be close to 60 million individuals, their collective impact on election outcomes could be decisive in shaping climate policies and priorities.
In conclusion, the data from the Climate Change in the American Mind survey underscore the growing importance of climate change as a key issue for voters in the 2024 election. With a significant proportion of pro-climate voters actively engaged and supportive of climate action, their voices and votes have the potential to drive meaningful progress towards addressing the urgent challenges of global warming and environmental sustainability.