US President Joe Biden took to social media to counter Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s climate change denial during the first Republican party debate leading up to the 2024 US election. Ramaswamy’s remark, in which he called climate change a hoax and criticized climate policies, was met with boos from the crowd and strong criticism from multiple leaders.
Ramaswamy, a businessman with no political background, was expected to bring unpredictability to the debate. He labeled his opponents as “professional politicians” but faced significant backlash for his climate change stance. In response, President Biden tweeted, “Climate change is real, by the way,” reaffirming the scientific consensus on the issue.
The debate featured eight contenders vying for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, with the notable absence of former president Donald Trump. The candidates used the platform to address a range of topics, including the economy, environment, and policies. One recurring theme was the Biden administration’s handling of the economy, with several candidates criticizing its performance.
Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, another participant in the debate, emphasized the importance of addressing climate change globally. Haley suggested that addressing emissions reduction should extend to major emitters like China and India. She acknowledged the reality of climate while advocating for a strategic approach to environmental policies.
The exchange between Ramaswamy and the response from both President Biden and other candidates highlighted the growing prominence of climate change as a key issue in political discourse. The divide between climate change’s deniers and those pushing for environmental policies aimed at curbing emissions and promoting clean energy remains a central topic of discussion within the US political landscape.
As the 2024 US election approaches, candidates from both major parties are grappling with voters’ concerns about climate change and the broader environmental challenges that the country and the world face. The debate underscores the significance of addressing these issues as part of the political agenda and the potential impact they can have on the election’s outcome.
