Is Climate Change Real? GOP Candidates Split - The Wall Street Journal
Is Climate Change Real? GOP Candidates Split
LIVE COVERAGE
First 2024 Republican Presidential Debate: Live Analysis
Former President Donald Trump is skipping the debate, but the eight GOP hopefuls taking the stage are seeking a breakout moment.
Last Updated:
Aug. 23, 2023 at 10:36 PM EDT Live Coverage Feed
Updated 1 hour ago
Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy. (Morry Gash/Associated Press)
The Fox hosts ask a direct question that has often made Republican politicians uncomfortable: “Do you believe in human behavior causing climate change? Raise your hand if you do?”
It’s a pretty standard approach in debates, but the candidates weren’t having it. Many conservatives see concerns about climate change overblown, and a losing issue with their voters. But record-setting summer temperatures and extreme weather in California, Hawaii and elsewhere have put the issue back on the front burner.
“We are not schoolchildren. Let’s have the debate. I am happy to start. I don't think that’s the way to do it,” said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, rejecting moderators’ request for a show of hands.
Related Knowledge Center: Climate legislation
The federal government and states are in the process of implementing two laws — the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act — an investment of more than a trillion dollars to address climate change.