The Earth is sizzling, but ‘climate hushing’ is hot right now among Democrats. ‘People are increasingly freaked out about other issues’

Growing up with lessons on disappearing habitats and wildfire smoke, Charles Hughes, now a college student in Massachusetts, says global warming rarely tops his concerns. For Democrats, the conversation about climate change has taken a sharp turn. Initially a rallying cry for young voters during the 2020 election, climate change has now become less prominent in Democratic discussions, a phenomenon some have coined as "climate hushing."

The Searchlight Institute, a Democratic think tank, even suggested the party avoid mentioning climate change entirely, as it's not a top priority for voters. This shift is evident in the Massachusetts U.S. Senate primary, where incumbent Ed Markey is focusing more on issues like affordability and U.S. support for Israel, rather than climate change, as he battles challenger Seth Moulton.

Former U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse warns that ignoring climate change is a strategic mistake, as its impacts are now felt in home insurance, property values, and pocketbook concerns. Despite still being seen as a "very big problem" by about 60% of Democrats, the issue has taken a back seat to more pressing concerns for voters.