Concerned Youth Advocate for Climate Action within Conservative Circles

In the upcoming Republican presidential debates, candidates are expected to address climate change, a pressing issue that young, right-leaning Americans are deeply concerned about. This shift in focus is not only crucial for the planet but also for the success of the Republican party in future elections.

Young Americans consistently rank climate and the environment as one of their top electoral issues, with recent Gallup polls indicating that 69% of young Republicans express concerns about the environment. This concern is reflected in the work of organisations like the American Conservation Coalition (ACC), an organisation building a grassroots environmental movement.

Founded in 2017, the American Conservation Coalition has cultivated a conservative environmental movement exceeding 20,000 passionate leaders. ACC advocates for a balanced energy mix that prioritises affordability, abundance, and increasing cleanliness. They reject federal land grabs in favour of sustainable resource management.

The ACC's climate policy framework, The Climate Commitment, emphasises effective, pragmatic solutions. They do not advocate for immediate divestment from fossil fuels or a transition to 100% clean energy. Instead, they seek a balanced approach that considers the needs of both the economy and the environment.

The engagement of Republican presidential hopefuls on climate change was largely disappointing for those concerned about the issue. However, the ACC is hopeful that candidates will chart a path forward and demonstrate their ability to tackle climate change during the debates.

The ACC's CEO wrote an op-ed urging conservative leaders to discuss climate change during the first Republican presidential debate. This call to action was symbolised by a young man who asked a question about climate change during the first debate, an unexpected yet significant moment.

ACC members are a diverse and dynamic group of young conservative environmentalists. They are actively involved in local initiatives such as tree planting campaigns, community park clean-ups, and educational events. Their work demonstrates a commitment to protecting both the wellbeing of the people and the health of our planet.

As millennials and Gen Z will constitute the majority of eligible voters in just five years, it is clear that addressing climate change is not just an environmental issue but also a political one. Republican candidates have the chance to unite and mobilise a powerful force by embracing pragmatic solutions that reflect the values of young conservatives.

Ignoring the concerns of young, right-leaning Americans who are deeply concerned about climate change is unsustainable for both Republican electoral success and for the planet. The ACC is urging candidates to take this opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to leaving a positive climate legacy while securing the support of a crucial demographic.