Climate change continues to be a top priority in the Democratic presidential primary. Here is a recap of of how candidates are approaching it. Find more climate activity from the campaign trail on LCV’s new online advocacy hub: www.ChangetheClimate2020.com.

Climate at Events, In the Media, & On Social Media

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) campaigned in Iowa on climate change and clean energy, where he released proposals for rural America, including how “agriculture could be part of the solution by playing a major role in reducing the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions,” and called out Trump’s false claim on wind turbines.

Bernie Sanders in Perry, Iowa, on climate change: “It’s a Russian problem. It’s a Chinese problem. It’s an Indian problem…we need a president who will bring the world together…to bring this entire planet together, to save our children and grandchildren.”

— Vaughn Hillyard (@VaughnHillyard) May 4, 2019

In Nevada, Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) committed to “host in the United States a new climate summit” and added “innovation can solve a lot of our problems.”

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) released a new video focused on harnessing public lands to help tackle climate change, featuring a Coloradan who works in clean energy.

HUGE applause here in Mason City, Iowa when @ewarren says she will fight corruption that is contributing to climate change “barreling down upon us.”

Iowa is experiencing major, historic flooding for the second time in six weeks

— Leigh Ann Caldwell (@LACaldwellDC) May 4, 2019

Marianne Williamson tweeted about the “moral crisis” of climate change and linked to her campaign website.

The climate crisis is the greatest moral challenge of our generation. Read my policies here… https://t.co/2O0zZrLpYN https://t.co/OzszgG2CGI

— Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) May 4, 2019

Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) appeared on Meet the Press, where he called for an “approach to climate that actually builds on the 70% of American people that say climate change is real.” In Iowa, Bennet discussed plans for his first 100 days, including to “create a set of reforms to combat climate change.”

The next president should:
✅ Drive wages up for everyone
✅ Make housing, healthcare, child care, & higher ed more affordable
✅ Fight climate change
✅ Demand a great education everywhere
✅ Dramatically reduce child poverty

Join us at https://t.co/GskH5AvSDS

— Michael Bennet (@MichaelBennet) May 6, 2019

Former Vice President Joe Biden (D-DE) told climate activists in Iowa that they are “preaching to the choir” as he discussed his support for clean energy, the 2009 Recovery Act, and climate legislation he introduced in the 1980’s. PolitiFact rated his history of climate leadership.   

Was Joe Biden a climate change pioneer in Congress? History says yes https://t.co/iYwtqQ00U1 pic.twitter.com/dVFUxIPXNS

— PolitiFact (@PolitiFact) May 8, 2019

Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) hosted an environmental justice town hall on Facebook, where he talked about the importance of addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate and other pollution on communities of color.

Tonight at 8pm ET, I’ll be hosting a Facebook Live town hall to discuss environmental issues threatening our communities. We won’t have justice until everyone has access to clean water and air. Hope you can join us: https://t.co/zLqnW7pnqX

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) May 5, 2019

In South Carolina, Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-IN) discussed how executive actions on climate change can “make sure that on day one we’re doing everything from getting America back on the right track.”

Pete Buttigieg says part of addressing climate change means supporting cities in becoming sustainable: “The way that cities are built, the way that cities are powered, public transportation…I’m not even asking for Japanese standards of trains, I’d be happy with Italian trains.”

— DJ Judd (@DJJudd) May 6, 2019

In Iowa, Former Secretary Julián Castro (D-TX) said he would recommit the United States to the Paris Climate Accord “so that the United States will lead on sustainability and combating climate change again.”

Former Congressman John Delaney (D-MD) responded to the new UN report on millions of species facing extinction on Twitter.

This is jaw-dropping. According to the @UN, one MILLION species are on the precipice of extinction. We’re doing true damage to our planet & we have to act. That’s why I’m talking about climate change everywhere & offering a plan to save the planet. https://t.co/IN0nGfEpur

— John Delaney (@JohnDelaney) May 6, 2019

In Michigan, Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) backed the Green New Deal and expressed the need for urgent leadership, saying, “The clock is ticking on this issue… and we need top level leadership to get it done.”

This isn’t sustainable. We can’t keep relocating our cities — we must fix the problem. Another reason why the United States must act now, rejoin the Paris Agreement, and pass the Green New Deal. https://t.co/3B5inFG2W2

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) May 2, 2019

In New Hampshire, former Governor John Hickenlooper (D-CO) stated, “I have a greater sense of urgency than just about anyone I know about climate change,” and added, “We know what we have to do. What we need is the will and the persuasion to get everyone on board fast and in real time.”

“We’re not going to win by having people fighting. We’re going to win by getting market forces and explaining why it’s in everyone’s advantage to do this,” 2020 hopeful John Hickenlooper said of climate change at an event at Tuck. https://t.co/pnmBMwyWd9

— The Dartmouth (@thedartmouth) May 7, 2019

In California, Governor Jay Inslee (D-WA) underscored “the need for bold action on climate change and outlining his ambitious climate proposal… 100 percent clean electricity, 100 percent clean private cars and 100 percent non-fossil-fuel-based commercial buildings.”

We must cut off the gravy train of federal subsidies for oil and gas companies. They’re literally killing us. https://t.co/DzChDh0HWF

— Jay Inslee (@JayInslee) May 7, 2019

In New Hampshire, Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) said he plans to release “core components of a Green New Deal that will not just address climate change, but will grow the American economy and make America a leader.”

The planet dying isn’t your business opportunity, @SecPompeo. https://t.co/WLqz4sYWQA

— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) May 7, 2019

In Iowa, former Congressman Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) visited communities affected by flooding and drew attention to his climate plan. O’Rourke also campaigned on climate in Minnesota.

“O’Rourke said he sees a direct connection between Iowa’s flooding and other extreme weather around the country in recent years and climate change. His visit to Iowa — his third — comes a week after he released a detailed plan to address climate change.” https://t.co/Ym16SCskhU

— Beto O’Rourke (@BetoORourke) May 6, 2019