Climate and energy policy in the United States: the battle of ideas

Abstract

How have different ways of framing climate change influenced the policy-making process in the United States? Frames related to energy security and green growth/economy have been most prominent in the agenda of the Obama administration and the Democratic Party. Pairing climate change with other concerns is thought to increase support from constituencies not traditionally concerned with environmental problems and to overcome debates over science. However, the way in which these two frames have been presented allows for other concerns to override climate considerations, and eventually the climate message loses its potency. Support for climate legislation is more likely to increase through more tailored messages that re-emphasise the effects of climate change.

Keywords:

• United States
• climate policy
• energy policy
• energy security
• green economy
• framing

Notes

1. 1. Some efforts in that direction are happening internationally, with the International Energy Agency defining energy security as ‘the uninterrupted physical availability at a price which is affordable, while respecting environmental concerns’ (IEA 2011).