Climate & Policy under a Harris Administration: Expectations, Drivers, Impacts

The US general election will decide the next president and Congress but also the direction of climate policy and action for the globally community. On one end, the world is bracing to regress in meeting climate goals while preparing to leave the US behind to achieve objectives outline in global compacts. On the other end, the global community is hopeful the US will continue to contribute and participate. This report discusses key elements that could sway the effectiveness of climate policy under a Harris-Walz administration. If elected, it’s expected Kamala Harris will be lockstep with the current President Biden’s climate agenda. However, drivers such as the private sector and international actors may influence this contingency and projection. 

The London Politica team has concluded that:

• Kamala Harris has a proven track record of supporting green policy;

• If remaining lockstep with Biden policies, it’s expected that Harris will also use the IRA to expand her green agenda and demonstrate its success in markets as well;

• ESG and the private sector have significant sway in the overall corporate acceptance and acceleration to abate climate impacts. However, current “barriers” to sufficient capital are impeding potential progress;

• The lack of effective international and multilateral collaboration pales the needed success to mitigate impacts experienced by climate shocks; and

• International collaboration with international actors may be influenced by the need for market competition. Thus, market success and multilateralism must fine an equilibrium.

If you and your organisation are interested in further analysis of the linkage between US politics and ESG, please contact us on LinkedIn, or at londonpolitica.esg@gmail.com.