Portrait of Bernie Sanders
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Bernie Sanders on Climate Change

Bold climate action advocate (strong)

Bernie Sanders views global warming as a serious problem and advocates for bold action to reverse its effects. He calls for substantial investment in infrastructure, with energy efficiency and sustainability being prominent goals in such efforts. Sanders has explicitly stated his belief that climate change constitutes the greatest threat to national security. This view has been a consistent part of his platform throughout his later political career, influencing his policy proposals.

He supports specific legislative frameworks, such as the Green New Deal, which he backed in 2019 alongside other progressives. Sanders has also connected family planning initiatives to efforts in fighting climate change. Furthermore, he has taken clear stances against fossil fuel infrastructure projects.

Sanders opposed specific pipelines, including the Dakota Access Pipeline and the Keystone XL Pipeline, arguing both would have a significant negative impact on the climate. His approach emphasizes using government investment to transition the economy toward green energy and sustainable practices while creating jobs.

Context

Senator Sanders's focus on climate change is deeply integrated with his broader economic justice platform, viewing the transition to green energy as an opportunity for job creation and infrastructure investment. His long-standing advocacy has positioned him as a leading voice for aggressive climate action within the U.S. Senate and the broader progressive movement. His efforts often seek to frame environmental policy not just as an ecological necessity but as a crucial component of economic fairness.

His influence is highlighted by the inclusion of climate recommendations from the Biden-Sanders Unity Task Forces in the subsequent Biden administration's environmental policy goals. This demonstrates that his perspective on the urgency and scope of the climate crisis has resonated at the highest levels of government.

Actions Taken

  1. Legislation Support
    Announced support for Green New Deal legislation.
  2. Legislation Sponsorship
    Joined in proposing legislation that would declare climate change a national and international emergency.
  3. Opposition To Project
    Opposed the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline on climate grounds.
  4. Voting Record
    Voted for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, though he expressed dissatisfaction that it was only a small step forward on climate and other issues.
  5. Policy Influence
    As part of the Biden-Sanders Unity Task Forces, influenced the environmental policy goals of the incoming administration, with Biden's team adopting certain climate recommendations.

Key Quotes

I consider climate change the greatest threat to national security.

Policy Context Mention January 1, 2019 — A summary of his stated view on the severity of the climate crisis.

We oppose the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline on the grounds that, like the Keystone XL Pipeline, it will have a significant impact on our climate.

Statement/Stance Mention January 1, 2019 — Stating his rationale for opposing specific fossil fuel infrastructure projects.

Related Positions

  • Green New Deal Sanders is a prominent supporter and co-proposer of this comprehensive legislative framework addressing climate change and economic inequality.
  • Keystone XL Pipeline Sanders opposed this pipeline specifically due to its significant projected impact on the climate.
  • Inflation Reduction Act He voted for this bill, which included significant climate investments, despite viewing it as an insufficient measure overall.
Sources3

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.