David Roberts
Two seemingly contradictory developments have unfolded on the left over the past few years. On the one hand, the broad left-of-center coalition, from climate activists to environmental justice advocates to labor unions, has grown increasingly unified around an ambitious climate agenda.
On the other hand, Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is a moderate who has spent most of his career cautiously straddling the center of his party.
These two developments now intersect in a fascinating way. Biden has the chance to unite the Democratic coalition around a bold climate agenda — and to make history in the process.
The question is whether he will seize that opportunity or settle for half-measures that leave progressives disappointed and the climate crisis unaddressed.
