The Democratic Party views climate change as one of the most critical issues facing the nation and the world. They advocate for aggressive action to mitigate its effects, transition to a clean energy economy, and ensure environmental justice. Their position is centered around scientific consensus and the urgent need for comprehensive policies to address the climate crisis.
Transition to Clean Energy
The Democratic Party supports a rapid transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal. They advocate for substantial investments in clean energy technologies, infrastructure, and research and development to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes setting ambitious targets for achieving net-zero emissions, with some aiming for 100% clean electricity by 2035 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the economy by 2050.
Rejoining and Strengthening International Agreements
Democrats emphasize the importance of global cooperation in addressing climate change. They support strengthening international agreements like the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The party advocates for the United States to take a leadership role in international climate negotiations and to work collaboratively with other countries to achieve global climate goals.
Environmental Justice
The Democratic Party prioritizes environmental justice, recognizing that climate change disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color. They support policies that address these inequities, such as targeting investments in clean energy and pollution reduction to the most affected areas. The party advocates for community-led solutions and ensuring that those who have historically borne the brunt of environmental harm are at the forefront of climate action.
Green Jobs and Economic Opportunities
Democrats believe that addressing climate change can create millions of good-paying jobs and stimulate economic growth. They support initiatives to train workers for the clean energy economy and to ensure a just transition for those currently employed in fossil fuel industries. This includes investing in green infrastructure projects like building energy-efficient homes, modernizing the electric grid, and expanding public transportation.
Conservation and Resilience
The Democratic Party supports conserving public lands and natural resources as part of a broader strategy to combat climate change. They advocate for protecting biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, and promoting sustainable agriculture and forestry practices. Additionally, the party emphasizes the need to build resilience to climate impacts, such as extreme weather events, through investments in infrastructure and community preparedness.
Reducing Emissions and Pollution
Democrats advocate for strong regulatory measures to reduce emissions and pollution. This includes reinstating and strengthening Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that limit carbon emissions from power plants, vehicles, and industrial sources. The party supports efforts to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations and to phase out the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning.
Climate Science and Innovation
The Democratic Party emphasizes the importance of grounding climate policy in scientific research and innovation. They support funding for climate science and the development of new technologies to address the climate crisis. This includes investing in carbon capture and storage, energy storage solutions, and other emerging technologies that can help reduce emissions and mitigate climate impacts.
Legislative Efforts
The Democratic Party is committed to passing comprehensive climate legislation. They support bills like the Green New Deal, which proposes a broad and ambitious plan to address climate change and economic inequality simultaneously. The party also backs measures that promote renewable energy standards, improve energy efficiency, and incentivize sustainable practices across various sectors of the economy.
Public Awareness and Engagement
Democrats believe that public awareness and engagement are crucial for effective climate action. They support educational programs and initiatives that inform citizens about the causes and consequences of climate change and the steps that can be taken to address it. The party encourages civic participation in climate policy advocacy and the inclusion of diverse voices in the decision-making process.