Environmental Coalitions Caution Against Third-Party Voting in Upcoming Election
Several prominent American environmental organizations issued a warning on Thursday, emphasizing that casting votes for third-party candidates in the upcoming election could inadvertently boost Donald Trump’s chances of winning. They argue this outcome could severely impact global climate efforts, as time is already limited to prevent disastrous levels of global warming.
The groups, including 350 Action, the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, Climate Emergency Action, Earthjustice Action, Food and Water Action, Friends of the Earth Action, and others, have strongly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The election, scheduled for November 5, is seen as crucial, and these organizations believe that Harris and Walz offer the most promising path to further climate progress over the next four years.
In an open letter directed at potential voters of Jill Stein of the Green Party and independent candidate Cornel West, these environmental groups expressed gratitude to both for bringing important issues to the forefront of the election debate. However, they highlighted Harris’s proven commitment and actions towards climate change mitigation, including her pivotal vote for the Inflation Reduction Act and her legal challenges against oil companies during her tenure as Attorney General of California.
Contrastingly, the letter details the negative impact of Trump’s previous term, describing it as a significant setback for environmental and public health protections. According to one study, a second term for Trump could lead to an additional 4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 2030, effectively reversing progress made in renewable energy and exacerbating climate damage. It is noted that fossil fuel industry representatives are preparing executive orders for Trump’s potential re-election.
The climate coalition’s letter starkly warned that each vote for Stein or West could potentially facilitate a Trump victory, emphasizing the severe environmental policy regressions outlined in the so-called Project 2025, a plan Trump might draw from for his next term.
Young Voters and the Climate Future
In related discussions, the Sunrise Movement, also a signatory of the letter, stressed the long-term global implications of this election on social media. They pointed out that the outcomes of this election could determine the global climate for millennia and the immediate need to address the climate crisis effectively. The group criticized the limitations of voting as a solitary act, particularly when considering third-party options, in the face of urgent climate and social issues.
The Sunrise Movement is actively working to mobilize young voters in key states to support Harris, emphasizing the critical window of the next six years to address the climate crisis. They argue that the potential consequences of a Trump presidency could drastically alter future living conditions and increase the number of climate refugees.
With early voting already showing high turnout in battleground states like Michigan and Georgia, the presence of third-party candidates like Stein and West could be pivotal. Both are polling at about 1% in Michigan, a critical swing state where Harris and Trump are neck-and-neck. The state has garnered significant attention this election cycle, notably with movements pushing for changes in U.S. foreign policy.
While some movements have refrained from endorsing Harris, they have expressed opposition to Trump, citing the risks associated with third-party votes in swing states due to the complexities of the Electoral College system. Stein, on her part, has rejected the label of a “spoiler” candidate, suggesting her supporters might not participate if she weren’t running.
However, voices like Kshama Sawant, a former Seattle City Council member and Stein supporter, acknowledge the strategic use of third-party candidacies to influence election outcomes in specific states.
Amidst these discussions, figures like Senator Bernie Sanders and carbon footprint analyst Kumar Venkat have publicly expressed concerns about the potential dire consequences of a Trump re-election for U.S. and global climate policies. Venkat, in particular, emphasized that a victory for Harris would likely continue the U.S. on its path toward net-zero emissions, a trajectory that would be jeopardized under Trump’s leadership.
Ultimately, the environmental groups and advocates are framing this election as a pivotal vote on the future of the world’s climate, underscoring the urgency and significance of the decision voters will make at the polls.
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