President Biden is set to emphasize his administration’s climate achievements in his upcoming State of the Union address, aiming to highlight the stark contrast between his climate policies and those of his predecessor, former President Trump. While Biden’s approach to climate change has been historic, many Americans are unaware of his significant climate legislation, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, which has created over 170,000 new jobs. Biden is expected to focus on the economic benefits of climate action, framing it as a job creator rather than solely as an environmental imperative. However, divisive policies like upcoming regulations on automobile and power plant emissions may receive less attention, as they could alienate swing voters. Despite Biden’s efforts, he still faces criticism from young voters, particularly over his support for oil and gas projects like Willow in Alaska. Analysts suggest that Biden needs to solidify his support among young voters by taking stronger action on climate, such as rejecting new fossil fuel projects and declaring climate change a national security emergency in a potential second term. Meanwhile, the plight of manatees in Florida serves as a reminder of the ongoing environmental challenges, including pollution and habitat loss, that persist despite efforts to address climate change.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/07/climate/biden-makes-the-case-on-climate.html