During the recent presidential debate, climate change was notably absent from the forefront of the discussion, despite the pressing concerns surrounding the issue. The only question posed on climate was met with Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledging the deep concern young Americans have for the environment. Former President Donald Trump, on the other hand, veered off-topic, making inaccurate statements about auto plants and China.
Fracking
The debate shed light on the contentious topic of fracking, with Trump falsely claiming that a potential Harris administration would end fracking in Pennsylvania. Harris, who previously opposed fracking, clarified that she would not ban the practice if elected, despite its conflict with clean energy goals.
Energy Policy
Harris emphasized the need for diverse energy sources to reduce reliance on foreign oil. The Biden-Harris administration has reentered the Paris Agreement and set ambitious targets for emissions reduction and clean energy projects.
Renewable Energies
Trump's misleading statements about a hypothetical ban on fossil fuels under Harris underscored the importance of renewable energies like solar and wind power in combating climate change. The U.S. has committed to significantly increasing its renewable energy production by 2030.
Key Issues Not Discussed
Important topics such as permitting new energy projects and challenges faced by rural communities in approving wind and solar projects were overlooked. Insurance issues related to climate change impacts and the environmental concerns surrounding electric vehicle battery production also received minimal attention.
Despite the lack of focus on climate change during the debate, the urgency of addressing this global crisis remains paramount for the future of the planet.
