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Week in Review: August 30, 2019

Aug 30, 2019

We’re looking forward to CNN’s back-to-back town halls on the climate crisis next Tuesday. The seven-hour (!!!) live event kicks off at 5pm ET. Follow LCV on Twitter and visit changetheclimate2020.com for real-time updates and highlights.

This week, Andrew Yang became the latest candidate to release a comprehensive climate change plan. 


Our take: Yang’s plan hits many critical marks, like transitioning away from fossil fuels, committing to reach net-zero emissions economy-wide by 2049, ending fossil fuel subsidies and taking environmental costs into account when measuring the economy. But his embrace of nuclear energy, specifically newer Thorium reactors, without addressing waste and storage issues and the massive cost to taxpayers is concerning. Read our full statement here.

Other major climate news from the week:

  • Georgetown’s Institute of Politics and Public Service announced that thus far 10 candidates are confirmed for their climate forum on September 19th and 20th. The two-day forum, hosted by MSNBC’s Chris Hayes and Ali Velshi, will feature the candidates in conversation with young voters on the issue of climate change.
  • Quinnipiac University released a new poll showing that a majority of registered voters nationwide, 56 percent, say that climate change is an emergency. Additionally, 84 percent of Democrats say that climate change is an emergency.

Here are some additional climate highlights from the campaign trail: 

  • Joe Biden spoke at length about climate change in South Carolina.
  • Cory Booker answered a question about climate change from a Chispa Nevada volunteer.
  • Steve Bullock said we can be carbon neutral “by 2040 or even earlier” during a CNN town hall.
  • Julián Castro told one of our youngest volunteers why he personally cares about climate change.
  • Tusli Gabbard toured a wind turbine blade manufacturer in Iowa.
  • Kamala Harris is finalizing her plan to tackle climate change, Reuters reported.
  • Amy Klobuchar focused on climate change during a campaign event in New Hampshire.
  • Beto O’Rourke released a comprehensive trade plan that incorporates climate policies.
  • Tim Ryan called for a climate change debate to be held in Youngstown, Ohio.
  • Bernie Sanders held a town hall on climate change in South Carolina.
  • Tom Steyer announced he’ll be holding his own town hall on climate change next week.
  • Elizabeth Warren talked about the connection between corruption and climate inaction.

And finally, Kirsten Gillibrand exited the presidential race this week. The senator never missed an opportunity to highlight the devastating impacts climate change is having on communities across the country and rightfully called out the crisis for what it is: the most serious threat our nation faces. We look forward to continuing to work with her as she keeps fighting the good fight in the Senate. Read our full statement here.

Visit changetheclimate2020.com for additional climate updates.