Chapter 1: The Climate Crisis and Its Urgency

Humanity stands at a critical juncture, facing an unprecedented threat from the impending climate crisis. Years of global inaction have created an urgent need to confront this catastrophe, which is becoming increasingly dire. In the United States, there is a growing call from Democrats and progressive voters for action on this front.

Polling data from CNN, as reported by The Hill, reveals that:

“82 percent of registered voters identifying as Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents deem climate change a ‘very important’ priority that they want presidential candidates to address.”

Given the gravity of the climate situation and the overwhelming consensus among left-leaning voters regarding its importance, is it too much to ask for a debate solely focused on this topic?

However, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) appears to think otherwise.

Interestingly, the push for such a debate did not originate from the party's base. Washington State Governor and Democratic presidential contender Jay Inslee has made climate change the cornerstone of his campaign and has initiated a petition urging the DNC to prioritize this issue in one of the debates. In response, DNC Chairman Tom Perez made it clear that this request would not be accommodated. He articulated his position on Medium, stating:

“If we change our guidelines at the request of one candidate who has made climate change their campaign’s signature issue, how do we say no to the numerous other requests we’ve had?”

While Mr. Perez's argument may seem logical, Mr. Inslee's case is far more compelling.

Section 1.1: The Case for a Climate-Centered Debate

The rationale for hosting a debate focused on climate change, as opposed to other subjects, is almost irrefutable when one considers the enormity of the current situation. To simplify, climate change is not just another political issue; it poses an existential threat to humanity and countless other species. We have long passed the point where it can be treated as a standard topic in political discourse. This isn't merely about the future of the United States or civilization itself; it concerns the very survival of humanity and the planet. The least the DNC could do is allocate two hours for a debate on climate change to clarify where candidates stand and how they plan to tackle this pressing issue.

The need for such a debate would be less urgent if climate change had been adequately addressed in previous debates. Instead, it has received minimal attention—often just a few minutes. What lies behind the reluctance to engage in a substantial conversation about this issue?

Subsection 1.1.1: The Influence of Special Interests

One possible explanation is the substantial financial influence of the oil and gas industry. In 2018, Opensecrets reported that this sector contributed an average of $15,093 to 162 House Democrats, totaling $2,445,193. In the Senate, 47 Democrats received an average of $29,364, amounting to $1,380,108.

We must confront the reality that crony capitalism and legalized bribery may play a significant role in the decision to sidestep a debate on climate change. If any issue deserves to be front and center in political discourse, it is climate change. For too long, society has evaded the consequences of the problems we have created, and the future of our planet hangs in the balance. We possess both the ability and the responsibility to demand more from those in power. A debate focused on climate change would mark a crucial first step in steering the conversation in the right direction.

Chapter 2: Climate Change at the Democratic National Convention

In this video, titled "Democratic National Convention: Day 3 | Biden," viewers will witness discussions and highlights from the convention, emphasizing the critical issues at stake.

The second video, "After DNC Rejects Climate Debate, Candidates Discuss Green New Deal, Environmental Justice at Forum," explores candidates' reactions and discussions on climate-related policies, showcasing the urgency of the topic among Democratic candidates.