Climate change gets short shrift in presidential debate

In a CNN-hosted debate, climate change was mentioned briefly, with Biden highlighting the Inflation Reduction Act and Trump offering an incoherent response.

Joseph Winters reports for Grist.

In short:

• Biden pointed to his administration’s clean energy policies, notably the Inflation Reduction Act and the creation of the American Climate Corps.
• Trump avoided a direct answer, instead boasting about environmental numbers and criticizing the Paris Agreement.
• Climate experts were disappointed by the debate's lack of substantial discussion on climate change.

Key quote:

“More time discussing golf than climate. What a world we are living in.”

— Jeff Goodell, author of The Heat Will Kill You First

Why this matters:

Climate change remains a critical issue with far-reaching health and environmental impacts. This debate highlighted the stark contrast between the candidates' approaches, emphasizing the election’s significance for future climate policy. More reading: Trump’s other war is going well.