CNN's chief climate correspondent said Wednesday morning that the issue is a top concern for Democratic and independent voters, arguing that the network "could do a town hall a day on this and it wouldn’t be enough to cover" the topic.

"Seven hours on the climate crisis. So just take us behind the scenes. Why did CNN decide to do one topic with this?" "New Day" anchor Alisyn Camerota asked Bill Weir during an interview.

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"Because there was so much cry out from those voters who will caucus for Democrats or independents who put this topic at the very top of their concern list," Weir responded. "And many were calling for a dedicated climate debate with all 10 [Democratic presidential candidates] on stage. The DNC [Democratic National Committee] didn’t go for that for whatever reason. And so we thought: 'Why don't make it happen?'

"So we’re doing ... town halls just focused on this," he continued. "And look, I’m biased. I think we could do a town hall a day on this and it wouldn’t be enough to cover it because it’s everything. It’s everything in our lives, from energy to politics to geopolitics to psychology to history."

Starting late Wednesday, 10 Democratic candidates will be given 40 minutes to address questions from CNN moderators and audience members in New York.

Anchors Wolf Blitzer, Erin Burnett, Anderson Cooper, Chris Cuomo Chris CuomoCNN's Don Lemon: 'Blow up the entire system' remark taken out of context CNN's Lemon: 'We're going to have to blow up the entire system' if Democrats win back White House, Senate Giuliani criticizes NYC leadership: 'They're killing this city' MORE and Don Lemon Don Carlton LemonCNN's Don Lemon: 'Blow up the entire system' remark taken out of context CNN's Lemon: 'We're going to have to blow up the entire system' if Democrats win back White House, Senate Scaramucci to Lemon: Trump 'doubling down' on downplaying virus 'should scare' viewers MORE will each moderate appearances from two candidates each through the evening, along with Weir.

Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro will be the first candidate featured at 5 p.m. The event will wrap up with Sen. Cory Booker Cory Anthony BookerThe movement to reform animal agriculture has reached a tipping point Watchdog confirms State Dept. canceled award for journalist who criticized Trump 3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing MORE's (D-N.J.) appearance at 11:20 p.m.

Other candidates who will be participating include tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang Andrew YangBiden's latest small business outreach is just ... awful Doctor who allegedly assaulted Evelyn Yang arrested on federal charges The Hill's Campaign Report: Biden weighs in on police shootings | Who's moderating the debates | Trump trails in post-convention polls MORE, Sen. Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisTexas Democratic official urges Biden to visit state: 'I thought he had his own plane' The Hill's Campaign Report: Biden on Trump: 'He'll leave' l GOP laywers brush off Trump's election remarks l Obama's endorsements A game theorist's advice to President Trump on filling the Supreme Court seat MORE (D-Calif.), Sen. Amy Klobuchar Amy Klobuchar3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing Social media platforms put muscle into National Voter Registration Day Battle lines drawn on precedent in Supreme Court fight MORE (D-Minn.), former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenFormer Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick Bloomberg rolls out M ad buy to boost Biden in Florida MORE, Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersSirota reacts to report of harassment, doxing by Harris supporters Republicans not immune to the malady that hobbled Democrats The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Republicans lawmakers rebuke Trump on election MORE (I-Vt.), Sen. Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenOvernight Defense: Appeals court revives House lawsuit against military funding for border wall | Dems push for limits on transferring military gear to police | Lawmakers ask for IG probe into Pentagon's use of COVID-19 funds On The Money: Half of states deplete funds for Trump's 0 unemployment expansion | EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case | House Democrats include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package Warren, Khanna request IG investigation into Pentagon's use of coronavirus funds MORE (D-Mass.), South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg Pete ButtigiegBillionaire who donated to Trump in 2016 donates to Biden The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - GOP closes ranks to fill SCOTUS vacancy by November Buttigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice MORE (D) and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas).

The town hall comes weeks after the DNC's decision not to host a climate-focused debate.

The committee voted down the proposal last month in a 17-8 vote.