Thread by @NatKeohane

Jake Tapper asks about #ClimateChange and health. Bernie emphasizes impacts today and says we need to transform our energy system as soon as we can — and goes right to fossil fuel interests. #DemDebate

Tapper follows up by asking Biden whether his plan is ambitious enough because it would cost $14 trillion less than Sanders. The ideal answer would be: “The measure of ambition is not how much money we spend, but how many tons we cut.” #DemDebate #climatechange

Biden lays out key aspects of his plan: Restore EPA regs including clean car standards; Rejoin #ParisAgreement; and in a surprise devote significant funds to saving the Amazon.

Bernie comes back to hit on ambition. “Do we take on the fossil fuel industry?” As Bernie says, this is a microcosm of their broader debate. Biden has workable plans that could actually pass in the near term; Bernie wants big, structural revolution.

Biden emphasizes the importance of international action, citing that US is 15% of global emissions. He is right, but he risks missing the key point that the only way to mobilize global action is by demonstrating American leadership. #DemDebate

I will say: This is the right climate debate to be having in the Democratic Party. And it’s so refreshing to hear them get into it in detail and at length and connect it to their broader philosophical debate. #DemDebate

Whew! An intelligent, informed discussion on climate at the #DemDebate. Reminded me a bit of a shorter version of the CNN Town Hall in September. Made clear both the shared conviction that climate is an existential threat, and the real differences in approach to addressing it.