Climate News Today — October 17, 2026

As the climate crisis deepens, it's becoming increasingly clear that voters are ahead of politicians on the issue. In the US, a growing number of voters are demanding action on global heating, yet midterm candidates are largely staying silent on the issue. This "climate hushing" is puzzling, given the urgent need for climate action and the clear desire from the public for leaders to take bold steps to address the crisis. Whether it's Democrats or Republicans, many candidates are avoiding the topic, possibly due to fear of alienating certain voters or concerns about the economic implications of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

Despite this silence, climate change is already having real-world impacts on communities across the US. In New York City, houses of worship are preparing for the growing climate threats, from sea level rise to extreme weather events. This on-the-ground action is a reminder that the climate crisis is not just a distant threat, but a present reality that requires immediate attention and action. As voters continue to push for climate leadership, it's up to politicians to listen and respond with bold, evidence-based policies that can help mitigate the crisis and build a more sustainable future.

Today's signal:
• US voters want action on global heating. So why are midterm candidates ‘climate hushing’? (theguardian.com)
• US voters want more action on global heating. Why are Democrats and Republicans staying silent? (theguardian.com)
• Houses of worship in New York City prepare for growing climate threats (yaleclimateconnections.org)