America votes: Climate policy in the USA

September 18 2024
Climate Change is accelerating, and the world is not doing nearly enough to stop emissions and move towards a sustainable future. The United States remains one of the world’s leading polluters, and environmental damage happens at an ever increasing pace.
But there has been some hope. The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2022, is the biggest climate policy achievement in American history. The American Climate Corps, a program for youth to protect the environment, has already started. And climate remains important to voters: in a recent poll, 66% of voters either say climate is the most important or one important issue in making their decision.
So what steps are being taken by the climate movement in the United States to make sure the topic is addressed in the next, critical, 4 years? How is it engaging in state and federal races? And what would the movement look like under a Harris or Trump administration?
Lauren Maunus, a climate activist and one of the most important people in turning the climate movement’s demands into the Inflation Reduction Act, will provide insight and analysis on climate policy.
The event will be moderated by Carl Roberts, Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington DC.
Lauren Maunus (she/her) served as Sunrise Movement's federal Advocacy Director from 2018-2022, where she translated the electoral and organizing power of young people into political and policy progress toward a Green New Deal. Notably, she played a key role in driving the movement’s demands into what became the Inflation Reduction Act and the American Climate Corps. Now, Lauren is working as Political Director for IfNotNow, a movement of American Jews standing up for equality, justice, and a thriving future for all.