Climate change a critical issue for voters

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds 51% of voters now say climate change is one of the most important issues driving their vote. And though the environment is not getting as much attention as things like the economy, crime and abortion rights, it will need to be a top priority for elected leaders around the country. Poll results were divided along party lines. Seventy-nine percent of Democrats said climate change was very important, compared with 47 percent of independents and 27 percent of Republicans.

Class discussion: A 2019 poll found 57 percent of U.S. teens are frightened of climate change. How important is the issue to you? Are older people less concerned about our warming planet? Why are voters more worried about the economy than the climate? How is it hard to put aside immediate concerns to face long-term problems? People who have experienced severe weather are much more concerned about climate change. How is global warming already affecting the world? Which political issues are most important to you? Why?