An intense US presidential race filled with name-calling, attack ads, and limited campaigning has overlooked discussions about climate change, despite ongoing extreme heat and disasters globally.
With Donald Trump now facing Kamala Harris instead of Joe Biden, the Republican has taken to spreading misinformation and memes about Harris, including false claims about red meat and gas stoves.
During a rally in Minnesota on July 27, Trump claimed, “Kamala called for cutting red meat consumption to combat climate change,” perpetuating rumors about her stance.
J.D. Vance, Trump’s running mate, also amplified these claims during a speech in Atlanta on August 3, accusing Harris of wanting to ban gas stoves and red meat consumption.
Despite these claims, Harris did not make any such campaign promises. In fact, she has openly used a gas stove and expressed her love for cheeseburgers in the past.
“A common political tactic is to misrepresent your opponent’s positions to make them seem extreme. Trump and Vance are doing just that with Harris’s views on climate action,” said Edward Maibach, director of George Mason University’s Center for Climate Change Communication.
– Harris’s climate record –
In addition to false narratives about Harris, Trump and Vance have criticized her stance on fracking and other environmental issues. Harris has a history of progressive environmental stances, going after oil companies as California’s attorney general.
The Biden administration has also made strides in renewable energy with the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in carbon pollution reduction in US history.
In contrast, Trump has opposed this legislation, advocating for increased drilling and fossil fuel use.
The League of Conservation Voters criticized Trump’s campaign for spreading misinformation and using scare tactics to undermine recent climate progress.
– Potential to ‘backfire’ –
Harris’s spokeswoman, Lauren Hitt, focused on a future with clean air, water, and energy for all Americans, without directly addressing the claims made by Trump and Vance.
Trump, on the other hand, has dismissed the threat of climate change, claiming it is not as significant as other issues.
Despite this, a significant portion of voters consider climate change to be a crucial issue in the upcoming election.
Edward Maibach speculated that attacking Harris on climate issues may backfire on Trump and Vance, especially among voters concerned about climate change.