Former White House climate adviser says ‘everything’ is at stake in this election

Energy issues and the environment were barely mentioned in last month’s presidential debate between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris.

Regardless of how vocal the candidates have been on the issue, Gina McCarthy, the first White House national climate adviser under the Biden administration, said this election will have a significant impact on climate change.

“Everything [is at stake]“, she continued Boston Public Radio Friday. “…He has no interest in accepting this climate [change] is a reality or are significant steps being taken to stop this.”

McCarthy noted the importance of Project 2025, a policy agenda from the Heritage Foundation that proposes significant changes to the oversight and staffing of federal agencies such as the EPA. McCarthy believes these changes would undermine expert advisory councils.

“I just want to [Harris] win. That’s the bottom line,” McCarthy explained. “Although she may have concluded that climate is not a compelling argument for her, underneath she says everything that makes you realize that she is looking toward the same future in the world that we aspire to.”

She discussed Harris’ focus on building democracy, such as protecting women’s reproductive rights, supporting the middle class and more.

“If Kamala Harris wins this election, I think we will see continuity of some of the clean energy and climate policies that the Biden-Harris administration has implemented in recent years,” said Johanna Neumann, senior director of the Campaign for 100 % renewable energy at Environment America.

McCarthy and Neumann addressed Harris’ changing stance on fracking, seen as a move to win votes in the swing state of Pennsylvania, which makes big money from fracking.

“I think until public opinion demands to stop burning fossil fuels and demands clean air and clean water, our leaders will not take the lead,” Neumann said.

Locally, House and Senate negotiators announced progress on a comprehensive climate bill that would accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

Neumann praised Massachusetts and New England for their progress in transitioning to renewable energy. However, she acknowledged disappointment that the bill does not address phasing out new fossil fuel infrastructure.

“There will be more to do. The way to win a marathon is the accumulation of many steps. And we need them to take the step to solidify this bill and then move forward,” Neumann said.

McCarthy said: “We need to step up and talk about the people who have been helped, about the improved health, about the water issues we all face, the air quality issues we all face and start “To figure out how to act as one country again.”