Amy Harder at Axios paints a stark picture of the climate agenda’s rapid decline. Citing oil historian Dan Yergin, she notes a shift from widespread concern to a notable silence on climate issues among politicians. According to Yergin, the dialogue has shifted from a cooperative approach to an outright dismissal. This change is evident in the attitudes of American voters, who have consistently prioritized immediate issues, like jobs and the economy, over distant climate concerns.
Polling data reveals a consistent trend: climate change doesn’t rank high among voter worries. While alarmists like U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres use dramatic language to warn about climate threats, most Americans seem more focused on day-to-day challenges.
Even among Democrats, who once touted the “Green New Deal” as a centerpiece of their platform, discussions on climate have noticeably quieted. The once-strong voices advocating for sweeping changes in how people live—like giving up cars and air travel—have become rare. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a key figure in promoting the Green New Deal, hasn’t referenced it publicly in ages.
A recent analysis from the Searchlight Institute suggested that Democrats avoid mentioning “climate change” entirely in their campaigns. Instead, they’re urged to emphasize potential savings from green energy. This strategy underscores a pressing issue: the climate movement’s ability to resonate with voters is faltering. A narrative that once thrived on urgency appears less effective now.
Historically, climate advocates have relied on deadlines to stir public concern. Over the past four decades, these deadlines have shifted endlessly, complicating the message. For instance, AOC once claimed we had only 12 years to act. Just a year later, Greta Thunberg shortened that window to five years. Joe Biden then referred to a new 10-year limit. Each iteration creates confusion and fosters skepticism.
The lingering effects of this shifting rhetoric are significant. Many voters remember past claims, and information online is hard to erase. The environmental movement has also faced setbacks from policies like the EPA’s Endangerment Finding, which labeled carbon dioxide as a pollutant. Yet, CO2 is a crucial part of life on Earth, often dubbed “plant food.” This dissonance highlights a struggle between perception and reality.
As this once-dominant movement faces a sudden fall from grace, it reflects a growing disconnect between alarmist rhetoric and public sentiment. What once felt urgent is losing its urgency, leaving advocates at a crossroads.
David Blackmon is an experienced energy writer and consultant with decades in the oil and gas industry, focusing on public policy and communications.
For further insights, you can explore more at Axios.
