An intense US presidential campaign filled with name-calling, attack ads, and limited campaigning has overshadowed discussions about climate change, despite ongoing environmental challenges.
Now, with Donald Trump running against Kamala Harris instead of Joe Biden, the Republican candidate has been spreading misinformation and memes about Harris, including false claims about red meat and gas stoves.
During a recent rally in Minnesota, Trump suggested that Harris wants to reduce red meat consumption to combat climate change and eliminate cows entirely, hinting at extreme measures that have no basis in reality.
J.D. Vance, Trump’s running mate, furthered these claims in a speech, stating that Harris aims to ban gas stoves and restrict red meat consumption.
These unfounded climate myths have gained traction on social media platforms and among conservative commentators, despite Harris never making such promises during her campaign.
Experts like Edward Maibach have pointed out that distorting an opponent’s positions to make them seem extreme is a common political tactic employed by Trump and Vance.
– Harris’s climate record –
Trump and Vance have also criticized Harris for her stance on fracking and other environmental issues, despite her past actions as California attorney general targeting oil companies and the Biden administration’s efforts to shift to renewable energy.
The League of Conservation Voters has condemned the Trump campaign’s dissemination of misinformation as scare tactics aimed at undermining progress in climate action.
– Potential to ‘backfire’ –
While Trump continues to downplay the threats of climate change, Harris’s focus remains on providing clean air, water, and reliable energy for all Americans.
Recent surveys have shown that a significant portion of voters prioritize addressing climate change in the upcoming election, indicating that attacking Harris on climate issues may not resonate well with undecided voters.
Maibach believes that Trump and Vance’s attacks on Harris could end up hurting their chances more than helping them, especially with voters concerned about climate change.
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