President Joe Biden is underscoring his climate record on Earth Day as younger, more liberal Democrats sour on him amid the Israel–Hamas war.
But although Biden’s public events continue to be interrupted by some climate activists, including his New York fundraiser with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, what was once a top priority for the demographic is being overshadowed by the Middle East and the economy.
Democrats, such as former Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D‑NY) aide Christopher Hahn, have praised Biden’s climate record, which includes the Inflation Reduction Act’s $370 billion climate investment, his commitment to reducing carbon emissions to 40% below 2005 levels, and his signature policy of encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles.
“Biden is making sure that America leads the world on the technologies that will power the future,” Hahn told the Washington Examiner. “His goals are ambitious, but clearly the last three years has seen a growing demand for clean vehicles, and all indications is that this will continue.”
President Joe Biden speaks at Prince William Forest Park on Earth Day, Monday, April 22, 2024, in Triangle, Virginia. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
At the same time, climate activists remember the $2 trillion spending promise Biden made during his 2020 campaign and his original 50%-52% emissions pledge, reminding him that scientists recommend cutting emissions by 70%-100%.
“As young people, we’re often called unrealistic or naive for demanding the world …