For six decades, Washington has failed to confront climate change with the urgency the crisis demands. The result is a nation on the front lines of extreme weather, with communities ravaged by fires, floods, and heat waves. Yet, as the November midterms approach, many political strategists are advising candidates to steer clear of the topic, fearing backlash or voter apathy.
This strategy, dubbed "climate hushing," is a deliberate choice to avoid discussing global warming to sidestep political risks. But the irony is stark: while consultants tell candidates to focus on affordability, climate change is increasingly an affordability issue. A Brookings study found that U.S. households pay up to $900 more per year on average due to climate impacts, with some counties facing over $1,300 in added costs. Homeowners in high-risk areas see insurance premiums spike by 82% compared to low-risk zones, and many lose coverage altogether.
The human toll is immeasurable. Last year, major weather disasters struck the U.S. every 10 days on average. Billion-dollar disasters now occur every 16 days, compared to every 82 days in the 1980s. Beyond the statistics lie shattered lives, lost homes, and the anxiety of young people facing an uncertain future.
Fossil fuel pollution, which accounts for up to 80% of America's air pollution, imposes over $820 billion annually in health damages, including premature deaths and hospitalizations. Climate-driven shocks also fuel food price hikes, with beef prices projected to rise 12% due to drought-related herd reductions.
Despite these stakes, political silence persists. Yet polls contradict the advice to hush: six in 10 voters prefer candidates who support climate action, and more than four in 10 want politicians to talk about it more. This disconnect is reminiscent of historical calls to action, from FDR's "arsenal of democracy" to JFK's moon mission.
Some leaders, like Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), have spoken out—Whitehouse has delivered 308 Senate floor speeches on climate. But the broader political class remains muted. As the costs mount, the question is whether leaders will break the silence and meet the moment, or continue to let the price of inaction grow.
