Uncovering Bipartisan Support for Natural Climate Solutions: Insights from Our Latest Podcast Episode

Welcome to Season 9 of The Climate Conversation podcast! Did you know an impressive 94% of U.S. voters support improving natural climate solutions? A poll by U.S. Nature4Climate revealed this strong consensus. This season’s kickoff features co-hosts Daniel Bresette and Alison Davis chatting with pollsters Lori Weigel and Dave Metz, who conducted the survey.

Natural climate solutions refer to actions that help reduce emissions and enhance carbon storage in various ecosystems like forests, farms, grasslands, and wetlands. Examples include planting cover crops and conserving wetlands, which resonate with communities nationwide.

Show Notes:

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The Climate Conversation brings you meaningful stories about environmental progress happening across the U.S. Twice a month, join the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) as staff interview experts about on-the-ground solutions to climate change.

Episode Transcript:

Daniel Bresette: Welcome to the first episode of Season 9 of The Climate Conversation. I’m Dan Bresette, the president of EESI.

Alison Davis: And I’m Alison Davis, your co-host. This season, we’ll continue to provide you with valuable, science-based insights on climate and environmental issues as Congress resumes its work.

Dan: We’re diving into natural climate solutions today. In June 2023, U.S. Nature4Climate had a bipartisan team, New Bridge Strategy and FM3 Research, conduct a survey highlighting public support for these solutions, especially in rural communities. The results were remarkable—94% of voters back these approaches.

Alison: Respondents learned that natural climate solutions included practical actions like planting trees and protecting wetlands. Such initiatives scored high approval, emphasizing the strong bipartisan consensus across the country.

Dan: Now, let’s hear from our guests! Lori Weigel from New Bridge Strategy has extensive experience in political research, focusing on bridging party divides. She’s worked on numerous campaigns and holds a degree in International Politics from Georgetown.

Alison: Joining her is Dave Metz from FM3 Research, who has supported various political and environmental campaigns. His research has been vital for numerous nonprofits and agencies across the U.S. He holds degrees from Harvard and UC Berkeley.

Dave Metz: Glad to be here!

Lori Weigel: Thanks for having us!

Dan: So, Lori and Dave, with this being the third survey in three years on natural climate solutions, how have public views evolved?

Lori: We’ve consistently seen strong support, moving from 86% in 2022 to 94% in our latest survey. This steady incline largely comes from increased Republican support over time.

Dave: Despite the many challenges our society has faced in recent years, this support remains solid. It’s remarkable that this agreement holds true amid other divisive political issues.

Dan: What do you think explains this overwhelming appeal for natural climate solutions?

Lori: Many people care about local benefits—like better water quality and wildlife conservation. Interestingly, 76% of those who do not believe in climate change still support these solutions due to their co-benefits.

Dave: Unlike more controversial climate policies, initiatives like tree planting resonate widely and are viewed as practical and straightforward solutions to a pressing problem.

Alison: What findings from the survey should Congress consider as they outline their priorities?

Lori: It’s crucial to acknowledge that despite opposing views, most voters still see the value in investing in natural climate solutions, even in the face of budget concerns.

Dave: Additionally, younger voters and voters of color showed significant support for these initiatives, suggesting a shift in priorities within these demographic groups.

Alison: Lori, what messages resonate with conservative audiences, particularly around budget concerns?

Lori: For Republicans, messages that focus on wildfire risk management and supporting farmers are particularly effective. These approaches not only address climate change but also aid vital community interests.

Alison: And Dave, who are the best messengers for discussing these natural climate solutions in a bipartisan fashion?

Dave: The most credible messengers often come from practical backgrounds. Firefighters and local farmers can highlight effective practices and strategies that resonate with all audiences, regardless of political leanings.

Dan: It’s great to see experienced pollsters from opposing sides working together on such important topics. What advantages does this create?

Lori: Having multiple perspectives helps create a more comprehensive understanding of issues and ensures surveyed data gets accurately framed for diverse audiences.

Dave: Exactly! We strive to represent the public’s voice accurately without bias, making it vital to include different viewpoints in our research.

Dan: Thank you both for sharing your insights today. This conversation about natural climate solutions truly feels uplifting.

Alison: Yes, and a big thanks to our listeners! Natural climate solutions benefit people and the planet, making them an essential topic in today’s climate discourse. We’ll continue to cover these vital solutions in future episodes.