Climate change was addressed during the Trump-Harris debate, and that’s about all that can be said. This political performance highlighted just how passionate disagreement over little to no substance can be.

The candidates’ stances on the climate crisis contrasted sharply, reflecting a broader divide on environmental policy. The one big thing they shared: neither candidate had a clear climate plan. Canned talking points overshadowed policy.

Kamala Harris stressed that climate change is “$150 billion every year. As such, the next president will face the reality of governing during a time of increasing climate disasters.

Both candidates touched on energy policy, but the debate did little to provide voters with a clear picture of how either would address the challenges posed by climate change in the years ahead. We need to step away from lofty promises and false claims. Instead, there needs to be a clear plan to combat this crisis. Clear, solutions-oriented debate: that’s what the American people deserve.

Acknowledgment: The ideas expressed are those of the individual author.