2024 US Election: The Future of Climate Policy Hangs in the Balance

In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Jay Hakes, a leading expert in U.S. energy and environmental policy, to explore the high stakes of the upcoming U.S. presidential election and its implications for global climate action.

We dive deep into how the U.S. political system, with its complexities, influences the country's ability to address the climate crisis. Dr. Hakes shares his unique insights on the impact of past presidential decisions, particularly around automobile efficiency standards, and how these have shaped America’s climate journey.

We also discuss the potential outcomes of the 2024 election, contrasting the climate policies of Trump and Harris, and the critical importance of science-based decision-making in this space.

If you’re interested in how politics can drive—or hinder—climate progress, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. Make sure to listen, share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more climate conversations.

Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction
1:00 - Dr. Jay Hakes' background and expertise
3:00 - The U.S. political system’s impact on climate action
10:00 - The 2024 election: What’s at stake for climate policy
25:00 - The role of technology and innovation in climate solutions
35:00 - Closing thoughts and call to action

🔗 Useful Links: Visit Dr. Jay Hakes’ website: JayHakes.com
Learn more about climate action and sustainability: https://tomraftery.com
Subscribe to the Climate Confident podcast for more episodes: https://climateconfidentpodcast.com

📢 Engage with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends. Let me know your thoughts in the comments—how do you think the upcoming election will impact climate action? Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell icon to stay updated on future episodes!