By Bill S., Third Act SoCal Communications Team member
Millions of Americans care deeply about climate change, but many don’t yet see their vote as the most powerful tool for systemic change. A recent webinar, co-presented by the Environmental Voter Project (EVP) and Elders for Climate Action analyzed this critical “perception gap” from an environmental justice perspective and provided a data-driven yet deeply human roadmap for the 2026 midterm elections, delivered by EVP founder Nathaniel Stinnet.
What made the webinar resonant, especially for me and others in the environmental justice movement, was the focus on solidarity. Stinnett acknowledged that we are living through a “scary, lonely time.” He framed the act of phone-banking or canvassing not just as a political chore, but as an antidote to the isolation and helplessness many feel regarding the climate crisis.
Among Stinnet’s key points:
- The “Individual vs. Systemic” Gap: EVP’s research reveals a striking disconnect. While 45% of Americans think about climate change at least a few times a week, they primarily view solutions through a personal lens (recycling, lifestyle changes) rather than a political one. In contrast, issues like gun violence are viewed almost exclusively as requiring political solutions.
- The Power of Behavioral Science: Stinnett emphasized that EVP is in the “behavior changing business,” not the “mind changing business.” Instead of trying to convince people to care about the environment, the organization identifies those who already list it as their No. One priority, but have a poor voting record.
- The “Voter File” Strategy: EVP uses precise data to find individual “super-environmentalists” and then applies non-partisan behavioral nudges (like “normative messaging” that reinforces environmentalism) to turn them into consistent voters. Since 2015, EVP has helped turn 2.2 million non-voters into consistent climate voters.
- High-Leverage Opportunities in 2026: Stinnett identified states where a small number of votes can flip multiple levels of government. For example, in Michigan and New Hampshire, a single voter might influence a U.S. Senate race, a gubernatorial race, and control of both state legislative houses.
- The “Politician’s Incentive”: A core tenet of their environmental justice strategy is that politicians don’t lead because of “the goodness of their hearts,” but because they “go where the votes are”. By flooding the electorate with climate-first voters, the movement forces climate policy to become a political necessity for any candidate.
I found the webinar’s collaboration between EVP and ECA particularly moving because it bridged the generational divide. Seniors like me and other great aunts, uncles, and grandparents are using their time and legacy to build political will for future generations.