As New York City's primary race arrives, climate change and environmental issues often struggle to gain attention in mayoral debates. Advocates express concern that topics like housing and federal policies overshadow urgent environmental discussions. Prominent candidates, including Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani, are highlighted, with grassroots organizations endorsing Mamdani for his commitment to renewable energy and opposition to harmful practices. As severe climate impacts rise, the demand for prioritizing ecological policies in political discourse grows stronger ahead of the June 24 primary.
"There's been a shift in the United States away from climate action and I think there are a lot of complicated reasons for that. And the city's politics reflect that too," said Pete Sikora, climate and inequality campaigns director at New York Communities for Change.
While climate and environmental questions could still come up in the second debate this Thursday, advocates say these issues are failing to take precedence on a higher level.
On one hand, some grassroots environmental groups, like New York Communities for Change, say Mamdani is the person for the job. They say he has a great track record, fighting tooth and nail to ensure New York transitions away from the polluting fuels that drive climate change and invests in clean energy instead.
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