Growing up, I was known as the “tree hugger” in my friend group, a title I proudly embraced. I asked for the DVD of Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” for Christmas back in 2006 when I was 13 years old. I remember the anger I’d feel while hearing the news of another shrinking glacier and would talk about the dangers of climate change with anyone who would listen. Even while I was young, I was acutely aware of just how important caring for our climate is.
Fast forward to today. We’re quickly approaching another Democratic presidential primary and subsequent general election. Despite President Trump’s continued attempts to deny the reality of climate change and its imminent threat, Democratic candidates are building their platforms on issues like climate change.
For many Americans, including myself, the climate change crisis is an important issue that must be addressed by 2020 candidates. However, with 20 candidates still in the race as of today, digesting all of their individual climate change plans can be daunting.
Because of the significant role it will play in the upcoming election, I’ve chosen to explore the top 5 Democratic presidential candidates’ plans for combatting climate change.
I will dive into the outlines featured on their websites (such as Bernie Sanders’ Green New Deal) and will evaluate their responses to questions on climate change during upcoming debates. By the end of my research, I hope to gain a thorough understanding of the top candidates’ climate change proposals, and hopefully, a little hope for the future of our environment.
