This February kicked off Democratic presidential primary season. Before the Democratic National Committee chooses a candidate in July, voters across the country will decide which of the eight Democratic candidates they want to see on the ballot. With the pressing issue of climate change and the potential for game-changing policies like the Green New Deal, the stakes are at an all-time high. The fate of our planet will be decided this November.

Climate change is on the mind of many voters. In a poll conducted by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication in November 2019, 66% of surveyed Democratic voters are worried about global warming. That includes a 20% increase in moderate/conservative Democrats from 2014. (x) This may come as little surprise to many since the number of headlines about climate change from the five most-read US newspapers have been drastically  increasing since 2012 (x). As public awareness on the issue increases, people are looking to politicians to do their part.

While no Democratic candidate disavows the existence or severity of climate change, the candidates differ in their approaches. Throughout the semester, I intend to delve into the environmental platforms and policies supported and rejected by the Democratic candidates. What exactly is the Green New Deal, and can it be implemented? Why are some candidates promising to ban fracking? How will that affect their relationships with voters? Do any of the candidates receive donations from dirty industries? What are the candidates’ past voting records on environmental issues?

These questions and more will help paint a clearer picture of the candidates’ promises and priorities. With the climate crisis upon us, there is little time to waste. When we cast our votes over the next few months, we will help shape the future of our country and our planet.