Thread by @jeffnesbit

So many folks (including journalists and TV news debate moderators) are falling deeply into the “personal sacrifice” trap laid out by industry and ideological groups opposed to any sort of climate action that it’s time for a reality check. Thread. /1

The 7-hour CNN climate town hall shows, beyond any doubt, it’s now impossible to deny that climate change has captured a central role in the Dem presidential primary in 2020. That's a major shift in the politics of this issue & an opportunity for the climate movement. /2

It was a remarkable night of substantive conversation with candidates about climate, regularly reinforcing the IPCC’s findings that we need to cut emissions in half by 2030 and by 100% by 2050. It was by far the most time devoted to climate, and the candidates came to play. /3

Despite that, however, fossil fuel industry talking points framed many of the questions to candidates during the CNN climate marathon. /4

There were excellent questions from the audience, but some questions from moderators echoed narratives driven by climate deniers and industry. These questions framed the debate as one about “personal sacrifice” verses big picture change. /5

Here’s the reality. Americans are already making sacrifices because of climate impacts, like flooding or wildfire damage to homes, life- and health-threatening heat waves or farmers struggling with reduced crop yields. /6

Inaction on climate has caused thousands to sacrifice their homes, crops, livestock, and even lives. /7

We should be scared of the status quo, not climate solutions. Those oppose to climate action want you to think climate solutions involve huge personal sacrifices that are worse than the status quo. /8

But that’s just not true: Electric cars are not only cleaner than gas-fueled cars, they are better performing. A diet that features responsibly sourced fruits, vegetables, and grains, with sustainably raised meat, benefits the climate and food security – but also our health. /9

And more efficient light bulbs and appliances reduce emissions, but they also save money on electricity bills. /10

We shouldn’t get distracted from the biggest culprits in the climate crisis. Beef consumption is a relatively small portion of emissions but was a recurring issue throughout the CNN town hall. /11

The entire agriculture sector only produces around 11% of global emissions, while energy consumption for electricity, transportation, industry and other purposes is responsible for 72% of emissions. /12

We don’t need to stop eating hamburgers to address these much larger pollution sources. We don’t even need to stop eating hamburgers to significantly reduce agriculture emissions. /13

Voters want action, not excuses. As we saw in Climate Nexus’ new national poll and others, Dem voters are placing a high priority on candidates’ approaches to climate, and they say it is one of the top-two issues they’ll consider when selecting who they’ll back for president. /14

Wednesday’s forum was undeniably a step forward in giving climate change the attention it demands, but it’s only a downpayment. Voters want a rigorous response that holds industry accountable. /15

The ”personal sacrifice” frame will come up again and again this cycle, whenever climate Qs are asked in debates; and in stories about Dem climate plans and GOP efforts to ridicule those efforts by exaggerating the amount of sacrifice consumers will suffer. It’s a trap. /END