One of the most important elections in state history is set to take place next week. Virginia is considered a purple state that has leaned increasingly Democratic over the past decade, making it a key player in federal politics. The gubernatorial race between candidates Glenn Youngkin and former governor Terry McAuliffe is crucial. It marks the first major election since the 2020 presidential election, making it both an indicator of the future of Virginia’s political identity and President Joe Biden’s approval ratings.
The race has narrowed in recent weeks, with polls showing mixed results — some saying Youngkin is ahead while others recognize McAuliffe with a slight lead. The race itself is focused primarily on debates about mandating the COVID-19 vaccine and public school curricula. One issue that Youngkin has yet to address in its entirety is the climate crisis, which threatens not only Virginia but the entire world. There should no longer be a debate surrounding whether climate change exists or not — it does. In fact, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change makes clear that “scientific evidence for warming of the climate system is unequivocal.” Despite findings, human activity remains the main driver of climate change.
In Virginia, climate change is evident in sea-level change and flooding. In fact, Norfolk has the fourth-highest sea level rise rate — reaching 5.385 mm/yr — and comes in second as the largest population center at risk for sea-level rise in the country. These alarming statistics are disheartening. If the course of sea-level rise and flooding in Virginia does not change, military infrastructure, schools, hospitals and even homes and cars will bear the brunt of its effects. Not only does climate change strain the physical infrastructure of Virginia, it strains the economy. In Norfolk alone, the cost of flooding totals $26 million per year.
Surely, you would think, flooding mitigation would be a major part of the gubernatorial race. Think again. Where McAuliffe’s platform includes an extensive plan on climate change, Youngkin’s platform includes a single bullet point, hidden away in a subsection of his website which simply states, “Completing Long-Delayed Environmental Projects.” Youngkin gives no specific details — such as what those environmental projects are — and climate change is never mentioned. This is on par with what to expect from Youngkin. He himself states he does not understand climate change. At a candidate forum in early October, Youngkin said, “I don’t know what’s responsible for climate change, in all candor … I’m a pretty smart guy, but I’m not that smart.”
I would consider myself a pretty smart girl. I am 34 years younger than Youngkin, just beginning my years in adulthood, yet I am smart enough to listen to NASA scientists who study climate change as their primary profession. The same cannot be said about Youngkin. How are we to place our precious Commonwealth in the hands of someone who lacks the knowledge to safeguard it? Environmental policy should be a mainstay in Virginia politics — its existence should not even be questioned.
On Youngkin’s website, he says we “have a lot we need to get done here in Virginia, and we need to start strong.” And he is right — there is a lot to get done here in Virginia. But in order to “start strong” we must first tackle an issue that, if not dealt with, will result in utter catastrophe. It is only a matter of time. By 2050, 100-year storm surges will become 10-year or more frequent events. The effects of climate change are speeding up, and failing to recognize this will only further hurt Virginia’s infrastructure and economy.
This isn’t just a call for Youngkin, but rather all individuals with some semblance of influence to do better. Climate change is real. It’s real and its effects are real. The longer it takes to realize that, the further behind this nation and our Commonwealth will be in the efforts to mitigate it. Any politician that currently lacks an environmental plan is unreliable, ignorant and apathetic towards their constituents. If they truly cared, they would jump at the chance to rescue their state from the chopping block of climate change. In the words of Youngkin, there is a lot to get done here. However, this is because we have done so little in the past. This gubernatorial election must change that. No matter where you lean politically or which candidate you support, it is in your best interest to support a candidate with an environmental plan. That candidate is not Glenn Youngkin. Virginia’s future depends on your vote.
Grace Duregger is an Opinion Columnist for The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at opinion@cavalierdaily.com.
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