Young individual identifies as conservative, expressing worries about global warming and climate change issues.

In the political landscape, the conversation surrounding climate change and energy issues has gained significant momentum. A diverse group of young conservative environmentalists, known as the American Conservation Coalition (ACC), is leading this charge.

Recent Gallup polls indicate that 69% of young Republicans express concerns about the environment. This statistic underscores the growing awareness and importance of environmental issues within the Republican party.

The ACC, which began over seven years ago as Conservatives for Environmental Reform, has since transformed into an organization building a grassroots environmental movement. The coalition's CEO, Danielle Franz, is a driving force behind this movement.

ACC members advocate for effective, pragmatic solutions like streamlining regulations for clean energy, expanding nuclear power, and implementing natural climate solutions. They don't advocate for immediate divestment from fossil fuels or a 100% clean energy approach, but for a balanced energy mix prioritizing affordability, abundance, and increasing cleanliness.

The ACC's mission emphasizes the power of effective, pragmatic solutions, as outlined in their climate policy framework, The Climate Commitment. This framework emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to climate change that includes both domestic and international action.

The author, a young individual who grew up in Northern Minnesota, developed a profound appreciation for the nation's natural resources. This personal connection to the environment strengthened their conviction that conservative values offer the best means to protect natural resources.

The author's call for conservative leaders to discuss climate change during the first Republican presidential debate was heard. A young man asked about climate change during the debate, which was an unexpected and defining moment. However, the candidates' engagement with the climate change question was largely disappointing for those who are climate-minded.

Effective engagement with climate and energy issues is instrumental in activating a demographic that could decisively influence the outcome of the general election. Millennials and Gen Z will constitute the majority of eligible voters in just five years, and consistently, young Americans rank climate and the environment as one of their top electoral issues.

ACC members seek candidates who support an actionable, optimistic path forward on climate change. They are not just concerned about the environment; they are ready to take action and make a difference.

The American Conservation Coalition has cultivated a conservative environmental movement exceeding 20,000 passionate leaders who will play an indispensable role in shaping the trajectory of the presidential race and influencing critical policy decisions in the upcoming year. Climate change doesn't see political parties, and to ensure a livable planet for generations to come, all hands are needed on deck.

Young individual identifies as conservative, expressing worries about global warming and climate change issues.