Elections

Although US President Donald Trump and his fellow Republicans give climate advocates plenty to worry about, all hope is not lost. Clean-energy technologies still have decisive physical advantages over the alternatives, and economic common sense will eventually win out.

Traditional policies like tax cuts, targeted aid and responsible spending can deliver stronger growth.

Ahead of this year’s presidential election, we asked Columbia Business School faculty and other Columbia University experts to reflect on key topics—from housing and healthcare to national debt—that could shape this year’s vote. Here’s what they told us.

New research from Professor Oded Netzer and his colleagues reveals that political polarization in the United States extends beyond obvious political indicators, spilling over to other aspects of our lives, like our brand preferences and purchases. Their work reveals more about this increasingly divided marketplace and its implications for both brands and consumers.

It’s clear that Kamala Harris takes the climate crisis much more seriously than Donald Trump. But even Trump cannot derail the ongoing global shift toward a low-carbon, high-efficiency economy, which continues to gain momentum, according to Professor Gernot Wagner.

With key appointments and contrasting philosophies in play, voters face a critical choice on the future of competition policy, argues Professor Paola Valenti.

Preservation of our financial stability and military dominance is on the line, and it depends on getting our debt problem under control, says Professor Pierre Yared.

From affordability challenges to climate risks, candidates must tackle America’s urgent housing crisis with innovative solutions and policy reforms, says Professor Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh.

With tariffs driving up prices and threatening corporate growth, voters need to understand the real economic stakes of U.S.-China trade policies, says Professor David Weinstein.

As the U.S. election nears, the American public is witnessing a new phenomenon: the partnership between political candidates and content creators, says Professor Mohamed Hussein.