As the nation gears up for the second presidential debate of the 2024 election, scheduled for September 10, all eyes are on Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. While the debate promises to cover a wide range of pressing issues – from crime to health care, wages to immigration, and the ever-contentious topic of abortion – there’s an underlying theme that connects them all: our environment.

Let’s take a journey through these seemingly disparate topics and uncover the green threads that weave them together, revealing how our ecological choices ripple through every aspect of our lives and policies.

When we think about crime, we often picture flashing police lights and courtrooms. But step back, and you’ll see a bigger picture that includes our surroundings. In many high-crime areas, you’ll also find neglected parks, polluted air, and crumbling infrastructure. It’s no coincidence.