Adrian Deveny, former Director of Energy and Environmental Policy for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and founder of Climate Vision, discusses the future of climate policy post-election. He emphasizes the importance of community unity for equitable climate initiatives. The conversation covers state-level advocacy as a vital strategy, the impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act, and the need for bipartisan cooperation. Deveny also highlights local organizing's role in advancing climate goals amidst a shifting political landscape, inspiring long-term commitment to climate justice.
The aftermath of the election highlights the urgent need for collective emotional processing among advocates confronting hostile climate policy outcomes.
Community engagement and resources like the All We Can Save Project facilitate open dialogue essential for sustaining momentum in the climate movement.
Climate advocates must focus on defending past progress while strategically pursuing small wins to navigate a challenging political landscape.
Deep dives
Emotional Reactions to Election Results
The aftermath of the election elicited strong emotional responses from individuals deeply invested in climate issues, highlighting feelings of heartbreak, fear, and a sense of being shattered by the results. The discussion underscores the grave threat posed by the elected individuals who dismiss climate change as a hoax while planning to halt progress on climate initiatives. This creates an urgent sense of need to process these emotions collectively, as individuals and communities consider the implications of this outcome. Acknowledging these emotions is essential before moving on to strategizing future actions to protect climate policies.
The Role of Community and Sense-Making
The importance of community in navigating the aftermath of the election is emphasized, with resources like the facilitation guide from the All We Can Save Project being highlighted. As advocates confront the reality of a challenging political landscape for climate action, the focus shifts to understanding the implications of recent events collaboratively. Engaging in open dialogue about the future of the planet is seen as vital to re-energizing the climate movement, as collective action can help mitigate feelings of despair. This collaboration fosters a sense of unity among individuals striving for meaningful climate action despite the hurdles ahead.
Understanding Voter Sentiment Changes
Analysis of the election shows significant shifts in voter sentiments, particularly among working-class individuals who previously aligned with Democratic values but swung towards Trump due to economic hardships exacerbated by the pandemic. Personal stories illustrate how vital issues, such as the impacts of COVID-19 on local businesses, led those once aligned with progressive politics to reassess their political affiliations. This underscores the need for climate advocates to connect with those experiencing immediate concerns related to their livelihoods. Recognizing that climate issues were not central to voters' decisions in this election highlights the necessity for future campaigns to prioritize addressing these immediate, everyday needs.
Strategies for Future Climate Action
Moving forward, there is recognition that the onus is on climate advocates to defend progress already made while seeking opportunities for small wins amidst a potentially hostile political environment. The Inflation Reduction Act serves as a significant policy win, and maintaining focus on its implementation and defending it against potential rollbacks is crucial. Furthermore, leveraging bipartisan opportunities in upcoming budget legislations could foster a pathway for further climate initiatives. This calls for strategic planning and preparation to increase the chances of success while building alliances that transcend party lines for effective climate action.
Preparing for Long-Term Climate Goals
Looking toward the future, particularly to 2029, there is a clear emphasis on the need for proactive policy development to ensure remaining climate goals are met. The discussion highlights maintaining momentum and cultivating coalitions that address the diverse sectors contributing to climate change. By identifying emission gaps and creating targeted policies, advocates aim to stay prepared for significant legislative opportunities post-2024. Ultimately, the conversation stresses resilience, engagement, and a commitment to advancing the climate agenda even during challenging political times.
The election is over, but climate progress doesn’t have to be. How can we continue to push for equitable climate policies and defend current investments in clean energy? What are the state and local avenues for addressing the climate crisis?
In this live episode of A Matter of Degrees, Dr. Leah Stokes is joined by Adrian Deveny, the Former Director of Energy and Environmental Policy for Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer. Leah and Adrian talk through what the results of the 2024 election mean for the future of our planet and how we can keep moving forward.
Mentioned in this episode is the All We Can Save Project’sfacilitation guide for coming together in community during this moment.
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