Climate Change is Consequential—Do Voters Care?
Climate change is one of the most urgent and transformative challenges of our time, yet it remains sidelined in the ongoing U.S. election debates. Despite the growing intensity of climate-related disasters worldwide, including torrential rains in Europe and Bangladesh, and devastating hurricanes like Helene and Milton at home, voter priorities continue to center on the economy and border security. The disconnect between the lived realities of climate change and the political discourse is troubling—and the stakes could not be higher.
At a recent Ethnic Media Services roundtable, a diverse panel of activists and experts brought personal stories and solutions to the forefront of the conversation. Among the speakers were Bill McKibben, founder of Third Act and a leading environmentalist mobilizing seniors for climate justice; Sharon Lavigne, founder of Rise St. James and a Goldman Environmental Prize winner fighting petrochemical pollution in Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley”; Sissy Trinh, executive director of the Southeast Asian Community Alliance, known for empowering low-income communities in Los Angeles to reclaim the L.A. River; and Erik Bendix, a North Carolina resident navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s tornadoes. Their compelling accounts illuminated the devastating toll of climate disasters and the urgent need for voter engagement on this issue.
Community Perspectives on Climate Disasters
Erik Bendix shared his firsthand experience with Hurricane Helene, which brought devastation to his mountain community in North Carolina. The storm’s tornadoes destroyed homes and infrastructure, while leaving a staggering 800,000 acres of forest devastated across 27 counties. Bendix painted a vivid picture of his community’s struggle, where residents faced blocked roads, power outages, and isolation. Yet, he also described their resilience—neighbors organized to clear debris, aid one another, and rebuild together. Bendix highlighted the danger of quick fixes, such as burning fallen trees, which could escalate fire risks, and advocated for sustainable recovery efforts that prioritize long-term ecological health.
Grassroots Mobilization in “Cancer Alley”
Sharon Lavigne recounted her fight against the construction of a billion-dollar petrochemical plant in Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley,” a region already plagued by industrial pollution and health crises. Despite significant opposition from corporations and government entities, Lavigne and her group, Rise St. James, rallied the community and successfully stopped the project. She described the toll on her family and neighbors, who have lost loved ones to cancer and other illnesses linked to chemical exposure. Her advocacy earned her the 2021 Goldman Environmental Prize and recognition as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. Lavigne stressed the importance of empowering marginalized communities to fight back against environmental injustices.
Mobilizing Seniors for Climate Justice
Bill McKibben spotlighted the vital role seniors can play in combating the climate crisis. Through his organization, Third Act, McKibben is rallying Americans over 60 to advocate for climate justice and safeguard the planet for future generations. He underscored the magnitude of the stakes, calling this election pivotal for the future of the planet. McKibben emphasized that decisions made today could shape the Earth’s climate for the next million years, urging seniors to use their influence, resources, and votes to push for meaningful climate policies.
Low-Income Community Advocacy in Urban Spaces
Sissy Trinh brought attention to the struggles of low-income and immigrant communities in Los Angeles, where environmental degradation disproportionately impacts marginalized populations. She detailed her organization’s efforts to reclaim the L.A. River, transforming it from an industrial wasteland into a space that serves local residents. Trinh also discussed her work in addressing environmental inequities by ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to clean air, green spaces, and sustainable infrastructure. Her initiatives highlight the intersection of environmental justice and urban renewal, showing how targeted advocacy can bring transformative change.
Bridging the Gap Between Climate and Politics
Despite the urgency of the climate crisis, speakers emphasized the disconnect between voters’ priorities and political discourse. While many Americans have already cast their votes, climate change remains an under-discussed issue in campaign conversations. The panelists called for innovative strategies to link climate action with voter concerns like job creation, economic security, and public safety. Sharon Lavigne stressed the need for inclusive messaging that resonates with communities on the frontlines of climate disasters, while Bill McKibben urged older generations to hold elected leaders accountable for addressing the crisis.
A Call to Action
As climate-related disasters grow more frequent and severe, the consequences of inaction become increasingly dire. The stories shared during the roundtable serve as a rallying cry for collective action. From community resilience in North Carolina to grassroots mobilization in Louisiana, and from senior advocacy to urban renewal in Los Angeles, these accounts underscore the power of local leadership in driving climate justice.
To meet the challenges of this moment, voters must demand bold action and hold leaders accountable. Climate change is not just an issue for scientists or activists—it is a defining priority for all of us. The fight for a sustainable and just future starts at the ballot box.
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