What's happening: The climate silence in the US
A silence has fallen over the Democratic Party in the US — a "climate silence", to be precise. This term captures the trend within the party to focus more on the high cost of living and less on the planetary crisis, in the hope of addressing a popular diagnosis of why Democrats lost the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump. Since then, Democratic politicians have mentioned the subject less on social media and in their press releases. Candidates in this summer's primaries may have it in their platforms, but it's rare for a candidate to campaign on it.
But a new report contests the idea that talking about climate change could cause Democrats to lose votes. The 2035 Initiative, a climate policy research center at the University of California, Santa Barbara, released a survey this month that suggests emphasizing the issue could increase support for Democratic candidates.
Why it matters: The real stakes
The survey conducted by the 2035 Initiative, led by political science professor Matto Mildenberger, involved about 3,500 participants and was designed to represent the US electorate, with a mix of voters from across the political spectrum. The results show that adding climate change to the mix is neutral or useful from a political standpoint. This contradicts the notion that talking about climate could be harmful to Democrats.
This finding is crucial, especially as the US approaches primaries in key states like Michigan, Minnesota, and Virginia, which could determine whether Democrats will regain control of Congress. The question is whether Democrats should prioritize the climate issue or if it should be a secondary topic in their campaigns.
The mechanism behind the climate silence: The science and politics
The science behind climate change is clear: human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels, is increasing carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere, leading to global warming. However, the politics surrounding this issue are complex. The 2035 Initiative's research suggests that, contrary to popular belief, talking about climate change is not necessarily a divisive topic that alienates voters.
In fact, the survey found that about two-thirds of respondents supported a government program to invest in solar and wind energy, regardless of how the goal was presented. This suggests that the climate issue can be approached in a way that attracts bipartisan support or, at the very least, does not alienate potential voters.
Bigger picture: Past trends and research
The discussion about climate silence is not new. For years, experts and activists have debated the best approach to addressing the climate issue in politics. Some argue that Democrats should focus on more immediate and tangible issues, such as the cost of living, to win votes. Others argue that the climate crisis is so urgent and important that it cannot be ignored or downplayed.
The 2035 Initiative's research fits into this debate, offering evidence that talking about climate change can be a viable strategy for Democrats. However, it's also important to consider the limitations of the research and the complexity of the US electorate.
What's next: Implications and open questions
As the US approaches new elections, the question of how to address climate change in politics becomes increasingly crucial. Democrats need to decide whether to prioritize the climate issue or if it should be a secondary topic in their campaigns. The 2035 Initiative's research offers a valuable contribution to this debate, suggesting that talking about climate change can be a viable strategy.
However, it's also important to consider the limitations of the research and the complexity of the US electorate. The climate issue is just one of many topics that voters consider when choosing their candidates. Other factors, such as the economy, healthcare, and national security, also play a significant role.
Conclusion: The climate silence and the future of politics
The climate silence in the US is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. The 2035 Initiative's research offers a valuable contribution to the debate about how to address the climate issue in politics. However, it's also important to consider the limitations of the research and the complexity of the US electorate.
As the US approaches new elections, the question of how to address climate change in politics becomes increasingly crucial. Democrats need to decide whether to prioritize the climate issue or if it should be a secondary topic in their campaigns. The 2035 Initiative's research suggests that talking about climate change can be a viable strategy, but it's essential to consider the broader implications and the open questions that remain.
Source / Reference
This story was originally published by Grist with the title 'Climate hushing' has swept the Democratic Party. New polling suggests it’s a mistake. on July 27, 2026. https://grist.org/politics/climate-hushing-democrats-polling-primaries-voters/