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Hi, Everyone! 

I’m Amanda Magnani, a Brazilian (photo)journalist and OptOut News’ climate editor. With the presidential election happening tomorrow, today’s newsletter is a special one. More than ever, this year’s election is a climate election, and the results will impact the U.S. and the world for decades to come. 

So today I bring you some of the main stories OptOut participating outlets published over the past couple of weeks related to the upcoming federal and state elections.   

Before we start, I’d like to invite you to become one of OptOut’s donors. The work we do supporting an independent media ecosystem is crucial for democracy and for finding answers to the climate crisis. We need your support to be able to continue it. 

Here’s a photo of me fossil hunting in North Carolina last summer to thank you for considering supporting us. 

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First of all, if you’re still trying to understand the implications of this election for the climate, check out: 

• Grist’s State of Emergency, a series about how climate disasters are reshaping the elections;
• Colorado Newsline’s commentary on the many issues intertwined with climate, making it something we can’t afford to ignore in this election;
• NC Newsline’s commentary on the impacts of climate change on our world and on how it is at stake on November 5th;
• and CounterPunch’s piece on why climate change has to be an election issue.

You should also check out Colorado Newsline’s “Where to find climate change on your ballot” and Grist’s “5 ways to get out the vote for climate in the final days before the U.S. presidential election.” 

And since Indigenous peoples are our last line of defense against the climate crisis, the impact of the election on their rights is an issue of general concern. WhoWhatWhy published a piece on what the presidential race could mean for Indigenous peoples. Kalw Radio also did a podcast about what is at stake for Native Americans in this year’s elections. 

Fossil fuels are the main cause of climate change. The upcoming election will determine how the U.S.–and possibly other world leaders–approaches multilateral agreements, energy transition, and the phase out of fossil fuels. To better understand how each candidate has positioned themselves on these issues, check out: 

• “What Harris and Trump have said about fracking and the environment,” by Ohio Capital Journal;
• “‘Terrifying’: Leak Shows Industry Plot to Worsen Methane Emissions — If Trump Wins,” by DeSmog;
• “How bad could Trump be for renewables?” by Heated. 
• “Drill, Baby, Drill? Former Big Oil Exec Says That’s Exactly What the Industry Doesn’t Need.” by Capital & Main. 
• “Who’s Going to Tell Harris the Truth About Carbon Markets?” by The New Republic. 

But the federal elections are not the only ones that will impact the future of the climate. Capital & Main made a list of the country’s eight most important elections taking place this year. And here are some local stories from across the U.S. to help you build this picture: 

• “In Arizona, a generation fears inconsistencies on abortion access and climate action,” by AZ Mirror. 
• “One issue will decide Arizona’s future. Nobody’s campaigning on it.” by Grist. 
• “Latest NewsIn Purple Pennsylvania, Older Climate Activists Tell Would-Be Voters, ‘We Caused It. We Can Solve It.’” by Capital and Main. 
• “Climate change consequences of presidential election will shape Kansas environment,” by Kansas Reflector.
• “Helene Muddies the Political Waters in North Carolina Amid Misinformation and Frustration,” by Capital & Main. 

Thank you for reading this election edition newsletter. Happy voting!

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That’s all for now, folks! If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up at amanda@optout.news. 

Obrigada and have a great week!

The OptOut Media Foundation (EIN: 85-2348079) is a nonprofit charity with a mission to educate the public about current events and help sustain a diverse media ecosystem by promoting and assisting independent news outlets and, in doing so, advance democracy and social justice.

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