Why Democrats aren’t talking about climate change much anymore – Grist.org

Report on Political Communication Strategies for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Post-2024 Election Analysis

An analysis of the post-2024 political landscape reveals a significant disconnect between the messaging of the Democratic Party and the primary concerns of voters, particularly in battleground states. This report examines recent polling data and strategic recommendations concerning the communication of policies related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a primary focus on SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Key Findings on Public Perception and SDG Messaging

Voter Prioritization vs. Party Messaging

A recent poll conducted by the Searchlight Institute highlights a critical misalignment between voter priorities and the perceived focus of the Democratic Party. This impacts the advancement of key SDGs.

• Economic Concerns Supersede Climate: Voters consistently rank affordability, healthcare, and economic stability (related to SDG 8) above climate change (SDG 13) as their top issues.
• Perception of Party Priorities: Despite voters’ focus on economic issues, they perceive the Democratic Party’s number one priority to be climate change.
• Communication Weakness: The report suggests that a direct focus on “climate” weakens policy messages, as voters seek immediate solutions to rising costs rather than abstract, long-term problems.

Decline in Climate Discourse and Public Engagement

Data indicates a marked decrease in the national conversation surrounding climate change, which poses a challenge to maintaining momentum for SDG 13.

1. Reduced Media Coverage: Media coverage of climate change has fallen by approximately 50% since 2023.
2. Lower Public Information Seeking: Google News searches for “climate change” have seen a sharp decline, indicating less proactive engagement from the public.
3. Stable Underlying Concern: Despite the drop in discourse, polling from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication confirms that a majority of Americans remain worried about global warming. The change is primarily in the “elite discourse” rather than public sentiment.

Strategic Recommendations for Advancing SDGs

Reframing SDG 13 through SDG 7 and SDG 8

To bridge the gap with voters, a strategic shift in communication is recommended, linking climate action to more immediate economic and quality-of-life benefits.

• Focus on Affordability: Frame clean energy initiatives as a direct path to lower household expenses. The proposed “Cheap Energy Agenda” is a prime example of aligning SDG 13 (Climate Action) with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
• Use Concrete Language: Replace abstract jargon like “mitigation” and “adaptation” with tangible outcomes such as “lower electricity bills” and “reduced energy costs.” This approach makes policy goals more relatable and demonstrates a commitment to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
• Integrate Environmental Justice: While focusing on price, it is crucial to ensure that the benefits of a clean energy transition are equitable, addressing the principles of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Alternative Legislative Pathways for Climate Action

Progress on climate-related goals may be more effectively achieved through legislative strategies that de-emphasize polarizing rhetoric and foster bipartisan cooperation, in line with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

• “Quiet Congress” Approach: Passing significant climate-related legislation can be more feasible when it is not part of a polarizing national debate.
• Bipartisan Support for Clean Energy: The successful passage of the ADVANCE Act, which promotes the development of nuclear power, serves as a model. It garnered overwhelming support from both parties, advancing goals related to SDG 7 without being framed as a contentious climate bill.

Evolving Focus of Civil Society and Advocacy Groups

Broadening Advocacy to Uphold SDG 16

In response to the current political climate, some progressive organizations are shifting their immediate focus from exclusively climate-related advocacy to broader issues concerning institutional integrity.

• Shift in Priorities: The Sunrise Movement, previously a leading voice on climate, has pivoted to address what it terms “the terrain of authoritarianism,” focusing on protecting free speech and the right to protest.
• Foundational Work: This strategic shift is seen as essential for creating a political environment where the fight for all other goals, including a livable future under SDG 13, can continue effectively. This aligns with the objectives of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
• Long-Term Vision: Despite the tactical change, the core mission of these groups remains the pursuit of climate action and a sustainable future for younger generations.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article is fundamentally about the intersection of energy policy and public perception. It repeatedly emphasizes the importance of energy affordability, with phrases like “affordability and low energy prices,” “rising costs,” and the proposed “Cheap Energy Agenda.” It also discusses the promotion of “clean energy” through legislation like the “Inflation Reduction Act” and bipartisan support for “nuclear power.” This directly connects to the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  Climate change is the central theme, even when the advice is “Don’t say climate change.” The entire article analyzes the political and communication strategies for addressing climate change. It discusses public concern about global warming, media coverage of the topic, and significant national policies like the “Inflation Reduction Act,” which is described as the “country’s most ambitious climate legislation.” This aligns with the goal of taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article delves into the functioning of political institutions and civil society. It discusses political polarization, the legislative process (“secret’ or ‘quiet Congress'”), and the challenge of making policy that is responsive to voter concerns. Furthermore, it highlights the activities of advocacy groups like the Sunrise Movement, which has shifted its focus to “fighting for the right to free speech and protest” and resisting what it terms “authoritarianism,” directly engaging with the principles of justice and strong, accountable institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services. This target is directly addressed through the article’s focus on “affordability,” “low energy prices,” and lowering “electricity bills.” The proposed “Cheap Energy Agenda” is a legislative attempt to meet this target by making energy more affordable for American families.
  • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The article mentions the “Inflation Reduction Act” of 2022, which was designed to “accelerate the adoption of clean energy through tax credits and incentives,” directly aiming to increase the share of clean energy sources.
  • Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology. The discussion of the “ADVANCE Act,” which aims to speed up the development of new nuclear reactors with bipartisan support, is an example of national policy promoting investment in clean energy technology and infrastructure.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. The article provides clear examples of this, citing the passage of the “Inflation Reduction Act” as a major climate policy and the proposal of the “Cheap Energy Agenda” as another attempt to integrate climate and energy goals into national planning.
  • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. The core of the article is about this target. It analyzes polling data from the Searchlight Institute and Yale on public perception, discusses the drop in media coverage, and explores different communication strategies (“how you talk about it”) to raise awareness and build political will for climate action.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. The article highlights a perceived gap between the priorities of elected officials and voters, where voters are “more concerned with affordability and health care” while viewing the Democratic Party’s top priority as climate change. The work of think tanks like Searchlight and advocacy groups like the Sunrise Movement represents participatory efforts to influence decision-making.
  • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements. This is explicitly mentioned in the context of the Sunrise Movement’s strategic shift to “fighting for the right to free speech and protest under President Donald Trump,” which is a direct action to protect fundamental freedoms.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Implied Indicators for SDG 7

  • Energy Costs for Consumers: The article repeatedly mentions “rising costs,” “low energy prices,” and the goal of lowering “electricity bills.” The actual price of energy for households serves as a direct indicator for progress on Target 7.1 (affordability).
  • Investment in Clean Energy Technology: The passage of legislation like the “Inflation Reduction Act” and the “ADVANCE Act” implies an increase in public and private investment in clean energy, which is a measurable indicator for Target 7.a.

• Implied and Mentioned Indicators for SDG 13

  • Public Opinion Polls: The article explicitly cites polling from the “Searchlight Institute” and the “Yale Program on Climate Change Communication” that measures public concern about climate change and prioritization of the issue. These polls are a direct indicator for Target 13.3 (awareness-raising).
  • Media Coverage and Public Search Interest: The article provides specific data points that function as indicators: “Media coverage of the topic has dropped roughly in half since 2023,” and “There’s been a sharp decline in Google News searches for ‘climate change’ since 2023.” These are quantifiable measures of public engagement and awareness related to Target 13.3.
  • National Climate Policies Enacted: The existence and scope of legislation like the “Inflation Reduction Act” serve as an indicator for Target 13.2 (integrating climate change into national policies).

• Implied and Mentioned Indicators for SDG 16

  • Voter Polling on Issue Priorities: The Searchlight poll showing a mismatch between voter priorities and perceived party priorities is an indicator used to assess the responsiveness of the political system (Target 16.7).
  • Number of Protest Participants: The article provides a specific number: “an estimated 7 million people participated in ‘No Kings’ protests.” This is a direct, quantitative indicator of civic participation and the exercise of fundamental freedoms (Target 16.10).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: grist.org