As wildfires ravage the state of California, we are once again reminded of the devastating impacts of climate change on our environment, our communities, and our economy. These fires, which have destroyed thousands of homes and displaced countless families, are a symptom of the larger climate crisis sweeping the nation. This year alone, over 2.3 million acres have burned in California, exacerbating concerns about the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires.

But this isn’t just a California issue—it's a national one. Climate change is a growing concern for voters across the country, especially as extreme weather events become more common. Polls show that 62% of Americans are worried about the impact of climate change on their communities, with 75% of California voters indicating that wildfires are one of their top concerns. This puts climate policy front and center for both state and national elections in 2024.

California is not only the most populous state, but it also holds 54 electoral votes—more than any other state in the nation. What happens here has ripple effects across the country. As voters across the U.S. see the devastation caused by wildfires and other climate disasters, they’re pushing for stronger climate policies at the federal level.

National polling suggests that climate change could be a decisive issue in the upcoming election. A recent Pew Research poll revealed that 67% of voters nationwide support policies to reduce carbon emissions and increase investment in renewable energy. In battleground states like Arizona and Nevada—where heat waves, droughts, and wildfires have intensified—voters are particularly attuned to the urgency of these policies, with 64% in favor of immediate climate action .

In California, the devastation from wildfires is reshaping the political landscape. Governor Gavin Newsom and local leaders have called for urgent federal action, while Democratic candidates are making climate policy a central theme of their campaigns. Meanwhile, Republicans continue to downplay the issue, with some labeling climate change as a “hoax”—a stance that is becoming increasingly unpopular with voters.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. As the 2024 election approaches, voters are making it clear that climate action is non-negotiable. This issue, once viewed as peripheral, is now a core topic shaping voter sentiment. The California wildfires are just one part of the broader climate crisis affecting states from coast to coast, and the electorate is responding.

Let’s continue to follow this issue closely as it plays a key role in determining not only California’s future but the future of our nation.

Stay tuned for our next update, where we’ll dive into more stories impacting the 2024 election. Stay informed with NDLB!