Hurricanes Helene and Milton have reignited the debate on climate change in the political arena, highlighting stark contrasts between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump as they campaign for the upcoming election.

Harris, who played a pivotal role in passing significant clean energy legislation, frames climate change as an economic issue, emphasizing the financial burdens extreme weather places on homeowners, such as rising insurance costs. Her campaign strategy appears to target voters who prioritize the economy, suggesting that those concerned about climate change are already aligned with her policies. Despite her administration's historic climate initiatives, Harris has been criticized for not providing a detailed plan for future climate action, often merging discussions of clean energy with fossil fuel production.

In contrast, Trump dismisses climate change as a hoax, using it primarily to criticize Democratic policies that he claims inflate consumer costs. He frequently downplays the risks associated with climate change, including sea level rise, which he argues is exaggerated. Trump's energy policy focuses on increasing oil and gas production, promising to cut energy prices significantly, although experts note that such reductions are challenging given global market dynamics.

While Trump proposes rolling back environmental regulations and has ties to a plan aimed at abolishing federal climate actions, the feasibility of these proposals remains uncertain, especially considering the bipartisan support for certain climate initiatives in Republican-led areas.

As the election approaches, the differing approaches to climate change from both candidates underscore a broader ideological divide, with Harris advocating for continued investment in clean energy and Trump promoting traditional fossil fuel reliance. The implications of these positions could significantly shape the future of U.S. climate policy.