Just weeks away from the 2024 presidential election, climate change has solidified itself as one of the most pressing issues for voters across the country, especially on college campuses. The recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton have taken the southeast region of the U.S. by storm.

 

Many students on college campuses worry about the effects political decisions have on them and their family’s lives. These young adults, often dubbed the “climate generation,” are keenly aware that the decisions made in this election will have profound consequences for the future.

 

Eden Alem, a communication strategist from the climate-focused non-profit organization Climate Power, emphasizes students and young adults’ crucial role in shaping the future.

 

“We do a lot…just to get the message out, and to make sure people know about their options…to make an educated decision at the ballot box about who’s advocating for your future and who’s not…,” Alem said passionately, highlighting the urgency of political action in the fight against climate change.

 

Lori Lodes, executive director of Climate Power, echoed Alem’s sentiment in a recent interview. She emphasized the stark contrast between the candidates’ positions on climate change, with Vice President Kamala Harris having a comprehensive plan to address the crisis, while former President Donald Trump has denied the reality of climate change.

 

“This is the most important decade when it comes to climate change,” Lodes said. “It’s about making sure we have a climate champion back in the White House.”

 

To engage students, Climate Power is promoting its “Too Hot Not to Vote” campaign, which provides resources for voter registration, information on the candidates’ climate policies, and tools for sharing information on social media. Lodes encouraged students to visit the campaign website and get involved in spreading the word among their peers.

 

“Young voters in Georgia are going to make the difference in this election,” Lodes added. “Everything you do has an impact, every person you talk to, every story you write.”

 

With the narrow margin of victory in the state in 2020, student activism could be crucial in determining the outcome on climate-related issues.

 

 

Climate Power has dedicated itself to educating the public on the dangers of climate change while pushing for action through civic engagement. The organization is working relentlessly to ensure that young people understand the stakes of this election.

 

Their efforts focus on helping students grasp how their votes can directly impact the environment, from clean energy policies to disaster response initiatives.

 

According to Alem, it’s essential that young voters recognize their power in shaping climate policy.

 

“Climate change isn’t just a political issue—it’s a life issue. It touches every aspect of our lives, from public health to the economy, and especially the future we’ll all inherit,” Alem said.

 

The organization leverages digital campaigns, social media, and influencer outreach to rally young voters around environmental issues. They know that students aren’t only learning about the world but actively shaping it, which gives them the potential to drive climate action forward in meaningful ways.

 

Both Alem and Lodes do not shy away from drawing clear distinctions between the climate policies of the current candidates in the 2024 presidential race.

 

While the previous Trump administration cozied up to big oil companies, according to Climate Power, rolling back environmental protections for billions of dollars and spreading misinformation, the Biden-Harris team has focused on expanding clean energy, reducing carbon emissions, and investing in a green economy.

 

“Kamala Harris is literally asking, ‘What can I do for you?’ She’s been on the ground, offering resources and showing genuine concern for communities affected by climate disasters,” Alem said.

 

In contrast, Alem recalled Trump’s photo-op moments during dangerous conditions and his administration’s false claims about FEMA funding, particularly during Hurricane Helene. Alem explained that Harris followed the conditional safety regulations, giving the communities a little time to give the green light for a safe visit as routinized.

 

Alem’s frustration is clear: “We need leaders who understand that this is about more than just one election. This is about survival—ours, and the planet.”

 

 

One of the most significant points Alem made is how climate change intersects with so many facets of daily life. It’s not just about rising temperatures or more severe weather events; it’s about how those changes ripple through society—impacting everything from the cost of energy to public health.

 

“Climate is a very intersectional subject,” said Alem. “It impacts the prices we pay for energy at home, the decisions we make about travel, and even our health. Communities living through extreme heat waves, wildfires, and pollution are all bearing the brunt of man-made climate change.”

 

For college students, many of whom have grown up seeing the devastating effects of climate change in real-time, this is more than just a talking point. From hurricanes devastating coastal areas to wildfires raging through the west, young people are grappling with the reality that climate disasters are no longer distant possibilities—they’re happening now.

 

In some regions, these effects are becoming impossible to ignore. For example, Alem mentions the increasing frequency of gas leaks in communities like Conyers, Georgia, the suffocating heat in Las Vegas, and even the recent oil leak in Valdosta, Georgia impacts climate change.

 

These local crises, compounded by larger climate patterns, serve as daily reminders that the fight against climate change is more urgent than ever, she said

 

 

Despite the challenges, Climate Power feels there is reason for hope. Under the Biden-Harris administration, significant strides have been made to address the climate crisis. The administration has tripled clean energy production and launched initiatives like the American Climate Corps, a program designed to train young people for jobs in the green economy.

 

The American Climate Corps offers a clear pathway for students who are passionate about environmental issues but unsure how to channel that passion into a career. By providing training and jobs in clean energy, conservation, and climate resilience, this initiative helps align environmental goals with economic opportunity—a win-win for the planet and future job seekers.

 

“There is good stuff happening,” Alem said, underscoring the importance of making sure people know about these positive developments. “It’s just making sure…people are aware of what’s going on.”

Phylisicia Lundy, Berliner Editor. Photo courtesy of Climate Power Website: https://climatepower.us/ .