"Climate hushing" is a theme of the 2026 midterm elections, as many candidates avoid climate change conversations in hopes of broadening their electoral appeal. UCLA experts say not only is that a risky stance long term, it's also not feasible when so many issues voters care about are directly tied to climate.
Experts can discuss the links between energy affordability and renewables; the risk that the U.S. will forfeit the green technology race with China; and the role that environmental issues will play for California's next governor.
Climate hushing
Carlson is the Shirley Shapiro Professor of Environmental Law at UCLA and faculty director of the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment. She can speak to the decline in Democratic candidates' willingness to campaign on environmental issues. Carlson notes that many political candidates are ignoring climate change and renewable energy, despite focusing on climate-linked voter concerns about affordability, electricity and gas prices.
