Many Voters Unaware of Biden’s Key Climate Achievement, the I.R.A.
TL/DR –
President Biden’s efforts to tackle climate change, including the Inflation Reduction Act, are largely unknown to voters, creating communication challenges for his re-election campaign. Despite the Act marking the federal government’s most substantial attempt to cut greenhouse emissions, polling has found many Americans, particularly younger voters, are unaware of Biden’s climate policies. Supporters have suggested the president needs to talk more frequently and explicitly about his climate achievements, and what additional steps he would take if re-elected, rather than framing the issue predominantly in terms of jobs and the economy.
Biden’s Climate Efforts Overlooked by Voters
Despite unprecedented climate change efforts by President Biden, polls suggest voters are largely unaware of his achievements. Biden’s re-election bid is further complicated by a loss of support from younger voters over the war in Gaza. Democrats argue that Biden’s significant policy successes have not been communicated effectively.
Recent polls highlight that many Americans are unaware of Biden’s key climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act. This law represents a major attempt by the federal government to cut greenhouse gas emissions. It includes $370 billion to reduce carbon pollution, boosts renewable energy production, and provides significant tax credits to encourage a move away from fossil fuels.
Climate Voters Crucial for Biden’s Re-election
A substantial number of Biden’s voters view climate change as a crucial issue. A recent Economist/YouGov poll found that 18% of Biden’s 2020 voters now list climate change as their top priority. “Climate voters could make or break Joe Biden in 2024,” warned Nathaniel Stinnett, head of the Environmental Voter Project.
A national poll conducted in fall 2023 showed majority support for Biden’s climate policies. However, despite the popularity of his climate agenda, Biden’s policies may be overlooked due to insufficient public awareness.
Biden’s Climate Campaigning: A Balancing Act
President Biden’s approach to climate change has been a careful balance between promoting renewable energy and maintaining oil and gas supplies. He has made record investments in electric vehicles and renewable energy. However, the US is currently the world’s largest producer and exporter of oil and gas. This juxtaposition presents a complicated climate communication challenge for Biden.
Effective Climate Communications: A Challenge
Edward W. Maibach, a professor of climate change communication, highlighted the difficulty in conveying a clear climate message. Biden typically discusses climate change in the context of jobs and the economy. However, a large-scale public opinion poll suggests that the message of “protecting the planet for the next generation” is 12 times more popular than job creation promises.
Communicating a Clear Climate Message
Climate change is a threat to our way of life, and Biden needs to bring this message to the forefront in his campaign, suggests John Marshall, founder of the Potential Energy Coalition. Biden’s message of climate action being an ‘existential threat’ needs more prominence and he must clearly outline his plan for a second term to slow global warming.
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