This archive report was first published on 5 August 2019.
Climate Activists Challenge Democrats to Go Further Left ¶
Published on August 5, 2019, a pivotal moment in the 2020 presidential election campaign.
As the Democratic Party grapples with how to defeat Donald Trump and address the pressing issue of climate change, a group of young, liberal activists is pushing for more radical policies. The Sunrise Movement, a grassroots organization, has become a key player in the 2020 presidential race, advocating for the Green New Deal, a comprehensive plan to transition the US to renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a leading voice on climate change, has been a key ally of the Sunrise Movement, while Senator Bernie Sanders has also expressed strong support for the Green New Deal. However, not all Democrats are on board with the plan, with some party leaders introducing their own climate proposal that stops short of the Green New Deal's most ambitious goals.
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the current frontrunner in the Democratic primary, has been criticized for his more moderate approach to climate change, with some accusing him of not doing enough to address the crisis. The debate over the Green New Deal and climate change is likely to continue to shape the Democratic Party's platform and influence the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.
Varshini Prakash, the co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, has been instrumental in bringing attention to the Green New Deal and pushing candidates to commit to the plan. Rhiana Gunn-Wright, the policy director for New Consensus, has worked with progressive groups to win broad support for the Green New Deal and other progressive policies.
