Following the release of her environmental justice plan, Elizabeth Warren is closing the gap on Greenpeace 2020 climate ranking leader Bernie Sanders. Tom Steyer has also narrowly passed Cory Booker for third place, increasing his grade to an A- after releasing an international plan for climate justice. Just three and a half points separate the top four candidates as the 2020 hopefuls seek to appeal to climate voters.
In response, Greenpeace USA Senior Climate Campaigner Jack Shapiro said:
“New plans from Elizabeth Warren and Tom Steyer show an increased focus on justice and equity in combating climate change. This is a crucial recognition that, around the world, Black, Brown, and Indigenous people are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. For too long, fossil fuel companies have poisoned communities to line the pockets of a handful of billionaires and gotten away with it.
“Our next president must ensure that the clean energy revolution leaves no one behind. We’re encouraged to see multiple 2020 candidates now committing to prioritize environmental justice, hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their pollution and public health impacts, and honor Indigenous sovereignty. Communities facing the worst impacts of environmental racism and climate-fueled extreme weather have long been leading the fight for a green and peaceful future — it’s time they had an ally in the White House to back them up.”
The new top 10 in Greenpeace’s 2020 climate ranking is:
1. Bernie Sanders: A (87/100)
2. Elizabeth Warren: A- (85/100)
3. Tom Steyer: A- (84/100)
4. Cory Booker: A- (83.5/100)
5. Kamala Harris: B+ (77/100)
6. (tie) Joe Biden: B+ (72/100)
6. (tie) Julian Castro: B+ (72/100)
8. Tulsi Gabbard: B (69.5/100)
9. Pete Buttigieg: B (67.5/100)
10. Marianne Williamson: B (64/100)
Additional changes in this update include Kamala Harris, Julian Castro, and Pete Buttigieg committing to a “climate test” on new infrastructure, John Delaney signing the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge, and Bill de Blasio dropping out. Harris remains in fifth place, Castro is now tied with Joe Biden for sixth, Buttigieg moves to ninth, and Delany moves to 14th. De Blasio had previously been ranked seventh with a B grade.
ENDS
Notes:
[1] The interactive candidate scorecard is available here, a detailed breakdown by candidate is available here, and the scoring methodology is available here.
[2] To maintain independence, Greenpeace USA does not endorse or oppose any political party, candidate, or elected official. We work to hold all candidates for office to the standard that science says is necessary to avert climate crisis, which means supporting a Green New Deal and ending fossil fuels.
Contact: Ryan Schleeter, Senior Communications Specialist, Greenpeace USA: +1 (415) 342-2386, [email protected]
