The devastating and deadly impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the final weeks of the 2024 election have once again put the climate crisis top of mind for voters across the country. For many Coloradans, who’ve been impacted by severe droughts and unprecedented wildfires in recent years, climate issues have long been a priority.

Climate change, the environment and natural resources were among the top five concerns identified by more than 7,000 Coloradans who have responded to the Voter Voices survey.

“I’d like to hear the candidates’ views on how fracking is driving climate change, and what they would do to further a just transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy sources,” wrote Erie resident Elisabeth Fisher.

Self-described liberal and moderate respondents were far more likely to say climate and the environment were a top issue than conservatives — a trend that’s consistent with the results of the Colorado Health Foundation’s 2024 Pulse poll, which found that while 80% of Democrats believe climate change is an “extremely” or “very” serious problem, fewer than 1 in 10 Republicans say the same.