US voters want action on global heating. So why are midterm candidates ‘climate hushing’?

US voters are expressing a clear desire for politicians to address the climate crisis, yet many midterm candidates are surprisingly quiet on the issue. This "climate hushing" is puzzling, given that polls consistently show broad support for climate action across party lines and in battleground states. It suggests that candidates may be underestimating the importance of climate change to their constituents or trying to avoid a potentially divisive topic.

The disconnect between voter concerns and candidate rhetoric may be due to a variety of factors, including fear of alienating certain segments of the electorate or a lack of clear messaging on climate policy. However, this approach could ultimately backfire, as voters are increasingly holding politicians accountable for their stance on climate change. In the context of the climate crisis, which is having far-reaching impacts on communities nationwide, candidates who fail to address the issue may be seen as out of touch with the concerns of their constituents.

As the midterms approach, it's worth watching whether candidates will start to incorporate climate change into their campaigns, either by highlighting their own policy proposals or by responding to voter concerns about the issue. Additionally, the extent to which climate change becomes a mobilizing issue for voters, particularly young people and those in vulnerable communities, will be an important factor to watch. Will candidates who prioritize climate action be rewarded at the polls, or will those who avoid the issue be able to sidestep accountability?

Originally reported by theguardian.com. ClimateNews adds analysis for climate & energy readers.