{"query_echo":{"q":"","filters":{"organization":["Center for Climate Change Communication"]},"warnings":[]},"total":{"value":241,"relation":"eq"},"page":10,"page_size":20,"self":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/api/v1/search?organization=center-for-climate-change-communication&page=10","next":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/api/v1/search?organization=center-for-climate-change-communication&page=11","stability":"beta","ai_marking":{"digital_source_type":{"uri":"http://cv.iptc.org/newscodes/digitalsourcetype/trainedAlgorithmicMedia","name":"Created using Generative AI"},"notice":"Summary and key insights are generated using artificial intelligence."},"results":[{"id":"commgmu-000140","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000140","title":"Public Support for Climate and Energy Policies in April 2013","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2013-04","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/April-2013-Public-Support-for-Climate-and-Energy-Policies-2013.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The report finds that while a majority of Americans believe clean energy and global warming should be priorities for the U.S. government, support for specific policies varies. High support exists for renewable energy research and tax rebates for energy-efficient products, while revenue-neutral carbon taxes see limited support. Partisan divides are significant, particularly regarding the Keystone XL pipeline and the priority level assigned to global warming.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000140#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"A large majority of Americans believe the U.S. government should prioritize clean energy and global warming, though support for global warming as a priority has declined slightly since Fall 2012. Specifically, 87% say developing clean energy should be a \"very high\", \"high\", or medium priority, and 70% say the same for global warming.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000140#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Most Americans support U.S. action on greenhouse gas emissions regardless of other nations' actions, and 84% support efforts to reduce global warming even if they incur economic costs.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000140#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Public opinion identifies corporations and industry (70%) and citizens themselves (63%) as the entities that should do the most to address global warming, more so than the U.S. Congress (57%) or the President (52%).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000140#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Majorities of Americans support several specific policies, including tax rebates for energy-efficient vehicles or solar panels (71%), renewable energy research funding (70%), and regulating CO2 as a pollutant (68%). However, support for these policies has generally declined since 2008.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000140#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is limited support for a revenue-neutral carbon tax swap. Fewer than half of respondents support such a tax whether the funds are used to reduce federal income tax (45%), reduce federal payroll tax (44%), or provide household tax refunds (43%).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000140#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Public awareness of the Keystone XL pipeline is low, with 50% of Americans having never heard of it. Among those aware of the project, 63% support its construction.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000140#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Significant partisan divides exist regarding climate priorities and policies. For example, 59% of Democrats view global warming as a high or very high priority compared to 22% of Republicans. Additionally, 91% of Republicans who know of the Keystone XL pipeline support it, while 64% of Democrats who know of it oppose it.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000140#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["clean energy","climate change","greenhouse gas emissions","carbon tax","fossil fuel subsidy","energy efficiency","coal-fired power station"],"geography_discussed":["Canada","Texas"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey"]},{"id":"commgmu-000214","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000214","title":"PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF NASA’S RESEARCH AND REACTIONS TO THE CLIMATE.NASA.GOV WEBSITE","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2013-01-25","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Perceptions_NASA_Research_and_Climate_Website_Jan_2013_final.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The study finds that NASA is viewed as a competent and trustworthy source of climate research, with a majority of Americans preferring NASA over other federal agencies to answer key climate questions. While users generally liked the climate.nasa.gov website—praising its visuals and abundance of information—they were only moderately satisfied with how well it answered their specific questions, particularly regarding the costs and personal actions for reducing climate change. Website traffic varied by audience segment, with the 'Dismissive' and 'Doubtful' groups most likely to visit the Uncertainties and Causes sections, while the 'Alarmed' group showed the most interest in NASA's role and solutions.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000214#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The American public generally views NASA's scientific and climate research as credible, competent, and trustworthy, with average survey responses exceeding the scale mid-point of 2.5.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000214#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"A majority of survey participants preferred NASA over the average of other federal agencies to answer 13 out of 16 common questions about climate change.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000214#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"User reactions to climate.nasa.gov were predominantly positive, with approximately 70% of comments being positive and 40% of participants finding nothing confusing about the site. Visuals, specifically the State of Flux and climate change images, were highlighted as particularly interesting.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000214#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Participants reported moderate satisfaction with the website's ability to answer their specific questions; 32% found a 'moderate amount' of information and 42% said the information 'partially' answered their question. Users found the least information and lowest utility regarding the cost of reducing climate change and personal actions to take.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000214#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Website navigation patterns differed by audience segment: the 'Dismissive' and 'Doubtful' segments most frequently visited the Uncertainties and Causes sections, whereas the 'Alarmed' segment was most interested in NASA's role, missions, and solutions.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000214#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The 'Evidence' and 'Causes' sections were the most visited overall, which the authors suggest may be due to their high placement on the website's side menu.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000214#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["climate change mitigation","climate change adaptation"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey","website user experience analysis"]},{"id":"commgmu-000228","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000228","title":"Global Warming’s Six Americas","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2013","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/September-2012-Global-Warmings-Six-Americas-in-September-2012.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The report identifies six audience segments in the US—the Alarmed, Concerned, Cautious, Disengaged, Doubtful, and Dismissive—and tracks their evolution from 2008 to 2012. It finds that 70% of the public (Alarmed, Concerned, and Cautious) believe global warming is a real threat. While there is broad support for increasing renewable energy and eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, perceptions of political influence are skewed, with most segments believing campaign contributors and fossil fuel companies have the most power over elected officials.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000228#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"As of September 2012, the American public is divided into six segments based on their level of concern and engagement: the Concerned (29%), Cautious (25%), Alarmed (16%), Doubtful (13%), Disengaged (9%), and Dismissive (8%).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000228#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Public engagement with the issue of global warming saw a decline between late 2008 and early 2010, but rebounded by September 2012, with the Alarmed, Concerned, and Cautious segments again comprising 70% of the population.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000228#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Improved public health is one of the top three perceived benefits of reducing fossil fuel use and global warming for five of the six audience segments.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000228#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Increased government regulation and higher energy prices are the top two perceived drawbacks of taking action to reduce global warming across all six audience segments.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000228#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is broad consensus across all six segments that the U.S. should increase its use of renewable energy, and five of the six segments prefer to reduce fossil fuel use; only the Dismissive prefer to increase it.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000228#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Five of the six segments support the elimination of subsidies for the fossil fuel industry and oppose the elimination of subsidies for renewable energy companies.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000228#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Support for a carbon tax varies by the proposed use of revenue; the Alarmed and Concerned are most likely to support a candidate proposing a revenue-neutral tax that creates green jobs or reduces pollution.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000228#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Support for building new nuclear power plants and offshore drilling has decreased across all six audience segments since 2008.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000228#insight-8","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"While most Americans believe they can influence elected officials if they work with others, they perceive themselves as having the least political influence compared to other actors.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000228#insight-9","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Five of the six segments identify large campaign contributors and fossil fuel companies as having the strongest influence on elected officials.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000228#insight-10","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["climate change","renewable energy","fossil fuel subsidy","carbon tax","greenhouse gas emissions","nuclear power","energy efficiency","climate policy"],"geography_discussed":["Japan"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["audience segmentation","longitudinal survey","policy preference analysis"]},{"id":"commgmu-000230","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000230","title":"The Political Benefits to Taking a Pro-Climate Stand in 2013","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2013","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/September-2012-The-Political-Benefits-of-Taking-a-Pro-Climate-Stand-in-2013.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The report finds that a majority of US registered voters (58%) consider a candidate's position on global warming when voting. Support for climate action and renewable energy is high across party lines, with Independents closely resembling Democrats in their views. While carbon tax support depends on how revenue is used, there is broad support for regulating carbon dioxide and increasing renewable energy research.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000230#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"A majority of registered voters (58%) state that they will consider a candidate's position on global warming when deciding how to vote. Among these 'issue voters', 83% believe global warming is happening and 65% believe it is caused by human activity.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000230#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Concern about global warming is high across political affiliations. Majorities of Democrats (73%) and Independents (63%) are worried about global warming, and nearly half of Republicans (46%) believe it will harm future generations of people, plants, and animals.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000230#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is broad cross-party support for renewable energy and the reduction of fossil fuel use. Majorities of all three political groups support eliminating federal subsidies for the fossil fuel industry and funding more research into renewable energy sources.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000230#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Voters generally support regulating carbon dioxide as a pollutant, though support for a carbon tax is contingent on the use of the revenue. Support is highest when funds are used to create American jobs in renewable energy and energy efficiency or to decrease pollution.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000230#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Independents' attitudes toward global warming and energy policy closely align with those of Democrats, presenting an opportunity for political leaders to connect with this group.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000230#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is a growing demand for the US government to take more action on climate change. Majorities of Democrats and Independents, and an increasing number of Republicans, believe Congress and President Obama should do more to address global warming.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000230#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["climate change","renewable energy","fossil fuel subsidy","carbon tax","climate policy","energy efficiency"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey"]},{"id":"commgmu-000233","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000233","title":"Climate Change & Energy Public Attitudes, Behaviors & Policy Support","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2013","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Summer-2013-Climate-change-energy-–-Public-attitudes-behaviors-and-policy-support-A-survey-of-Maryland-residents.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"A 2013 survey of Maryland residents reveals high levels of concern about climate change, with 86% believing it is happening and a majority supporting state-level sustainability policies. While residents prefer renewable energy sources like solar and wind, there is significant uncertainty regarding the state's actual energy mix. The report also highlights a gap between public support for climate action and individual behaviors, noting that home energy conservation is more common than transportation-related reductions.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000233#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"A large majority of Maryland residents believe climate change is occurring, significantly higher than national averages from the same period.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000233#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Most Marylanders perceive their local environment as changing and their weather as deteriorating, with storms, reduced snowfall, and hotter summers being the most frequently cited changes.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000233#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is a significant gap between the actual scientific consensus on human-caused climate change and the public's perception of that consensus in Maryland.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000233#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Maryland residents show strong preference for renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, despite widespread ignorance of the state's actual electricity generation sources.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000233#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"While there is broad support for state sustainability policies, public awareness of these initiatives varies significantly.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000233#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Residents are more likely to engage in energy conservation at home than in their transportation habits, with low adoption of high-impact home improvements like weatherization.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000233#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"A majority of Marylanders believe that recent extreme weather events and sea-level rise have been exacerbated by climate change.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000233#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is strong public support for government prioritization of protecting public water supplies and human health from environmental threats.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000233#insight-8","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"A significant majority of residents support requiring property sellers to disclose future risks related to sea-level rise and extreme weather.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000233#insight-9","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Using the 'Global Warming’s Six Americas' framework, 62% of Marylanders fall into the 'Alarmed' or 'Concerned' categories, indicating higher levels of concern than the U.S. national average.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000233#insight-10","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["climate change","renewable energy","solar energy","wind power","offshore wind power","energy efficiency","greenhouse gas emissions","extreme weather event","sea level rise","public health","climate change communication"],"geography_discussed":["World","United States"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey"]},{"id":"commgmu-000234","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000234","title":"Public Health, Energy & Climate Change","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2013","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Summer-2013-Public-health-Energy-and-Climate-change-A-survey-of-Maryland-residents-2.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"A survey of Maryland residents in 2013 found that air pollution is viewed as the top personal health risk and that a majority of residents believe climate change is already harming people in the United States. The study highlights a strong public preference for renewable energy sources over fossil fuels and nuclear power due to health concerns. It also reveals that residents with multiple pre-existing medical conditions are more likely to perceive themselves as vulnerable to climate-related health impacts. Additionally, the report notes high public support for government prioritisation of protecting public water supplies and human health from environmental threats.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000234#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Air pollution is identified as the primary personal health risk by Maryland residents, with 70% stating it is a major or moderate risk. This concern is most acute in the urban corridor between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, where 35% of residents cite it as a major risk.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000234#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"A majority of Maryland residents (52%) believe that people in the United States are already being harmed by climate change, a figure significantly higher than the national average of 34% reported in April 2013. The most anticipated health problems resulting from climate change in the state are respiratory problems (68%), storm-related injuries (58%), and heat stroke (52%).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000234#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Maryland residents perceive renewable energy sources as significantly healthier than traditional power sources. Solar, offshore wind, and land-based wind were all rated as \"not at all harmful\" by 58% to 60% of respondents. In contrast, coal (68%), oil (59%), and nuclear power (58%) were rated as somewhat or very harmful to health.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000234#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is a correlation between a household's actual medical vulnerability and its perceived vulnerability to climate change. Residents with more than one medical condition that increases vulnerability (such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, or obesity) were more likely to report being \"very vulnerable\" (22%) compared to those with one condition (14%) or none (6%).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000234#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Extreme weather is widely viewed as a community health risk, with 79% of Marylanders stating it posed a risk in the past year. Consequently, there is strong support for government intervention, with 86% of residents believing the protection of public water supplies and 80% believing the protection of people's health should be high priorities.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000234#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Public perception of the health risks associated with natural gas varies by extraction method; natural gas extracted via hydraulic fracturing (\"fracking\") is viewed as more harmful (44%) than other sources of natural gas (29%).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000234#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["air pollution","climate change","extreme weather event","public health","renewable energy","solar energy","offshore wind power","coal","petroleum","nuclear power","natural gas","hydraulic fracturing","water security","climate change vulnerability"],"geography_discussed":["United States"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey"]},{"id":"commgmu-000117","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000117","title":"PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF FEDERAL AGENCIES THAT CONDUCT CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2012-12-10","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2012-Public-Perceptions-of-Federal-Agencies-that-Conduct-Climate-Change-Research.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The report finds that while the public generally views federal agencies as credible sources of scientific research, there is significant uncertainty regarding which agencies specifically conduct climate change research. NOAA is perceived as the most active and credible agency for climate change research, while NASA is seen as the most active and credible for general scientific research. The public's primary questions for experts focus on the human causes of climate change and the potential for mitigation.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000117#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"A significant portion of the American public is unaware of the extent to which federal agencies conduct climate science research, with awareness being lower for climate-specific research than for general scientific research. For example, 41% of respondents did not know how much climate change research NASA conducts, compared to 25% who were unsure about its general scientific research.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000117#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Among the 11 agencies assessed, NOAA is viewed as the agency conducting the most climate change research, followed by the EPA, NASA, and the NSF. Conversely, the DOD, CDC, and the Smithsonian are perceived as conducting the least amount of climate change research.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000117#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Federal agencies are generally perceived as credible, though ratings vary by agency and research type. NASA is considered the most credible for general scientific research, while NOAA is rated highest for climate change research. The DOE and EPA are rated lowest for general science, and the DOE and DOD are rated lowest for climate change research, though all remain above the neutral mid-point of the credibility scale.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000117#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The most common questions the public wants to ask climate change experts concern the evidence for human-caused climate change, the nature of agency research, the possibility of reducing climate change, and whether it is actually occurring. The most frequent top question is \"How do you know that climate change is caused mostly by human activities, not natural changes in the environment?\", cited by 39% of respondents.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000117#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"When asked where they would seek answers to their top climate questions, NOAA is frequently the most preferred source across various topics, including whether climate change is happening and how to reduce it. For the question \"Is there still time to reduce climate change, or is it too late?\", 95% of people who had that question as a top priority would seek an answer from NOAA.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000117#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Regarding the format of information, half of the survey participants prefer to receive answers to their climate change questions via written text, such as a news article, while 27% prefer video and 17% prefer interactive graphics.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000117#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["climate change mitigation"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey"]},{"id":"commgmu-000043","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000043","title":"Extreme Weather and Climate Change in the American Mind","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"fact sheet","language":"en","date_published":"2012-09-07","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/all/extreme-weather-and-climate-change-in-the-american-mind-september-2012/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"A September 2012 survey indicates that 74% of Americans believe global warming is affecting U.S. weather, with a majority attributing the severity of recent extreme events—such as the 2012 summer heat and Midwest drought—to climate change. Public perception of worsening weather and local heat waves has increased since March 2012, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast, with 20% of respondents reporting health, property, or financial harm from heat waves in the past year.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000043#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"A growing majority of Americans believe global warming impacts U.S. weather, with 74% agreeing this is the case, representing a 5-point increase from March 2012. This connection was strongest regarding the record high temperatures of summer 2012, which 73% of respondents linked to global warming.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000043#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Public perception that U.S. weather has worsened over recent years rose to 61% (up 9 percentage points since March). Additionally, 58% of Americans believe local heat waves have become more common over the last few decades, with the most significant increases in perception occurring in the Midwest (+15 points) and Northeast (+12 points).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000043#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Personal experiences with extreme weather increased significantly in the Midwest, where 83% reported experiencing a heat wave and 81% reported a drought in the past year. Nationally, 20% of Americans reported suffering harm to their finances, property, or health due to a heat wave, and 15% reported similar harm from a drought.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000043#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["climate change","extreme weather event","heat wave","drought"],"geography_discussed":["Midwestern United States","Northeastern United States"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey"]},{"id":"commgmu-000086","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000086","title":"Global Warming’s Six Americas in September 2012","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"executive summary","language":"en","date_published":"2012-09-01","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/all/climate-change-in-the-american-mind-global-warmings-six-americas-in-september-2012/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The report identifies a shift in public opinion between 2010 and 2012, with the 'Alarmed' segment growing from 10 percent to 16 percent and the 'Dismissive' segment shrinking from 16 percent to 8 percent. Across most segments, improved public health, reduced foreign oil dependence, and green job creation are viewed as top benefits of reducing fossil fuel use, while increased government regulation and higher energy prices are seen as the primary drawbacks. While majorities across all six groups support increasing renewable energy use, support for a carbon tax varies based on the proposal's specific benefits. Additionally, most segments believe that campaign contributors and the fossil fuel industry exert more influence over elected officials than citizens with shared views.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000086#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Between 2010 and 2012, the proportion of the American adult population identifying as 'Alarmed' increased from 10 percent to 16 percent, while the 'Dismissive' group decreased from 16 percent to 8 percent.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000086#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Public health, reduced dependence on foreign oil, green job creation, and economic improvement are among the top five perceived benefits of reducing fossil fuel use and global warming for all six segments. Conversely, increased government regulation and higher energy prices are the top two cited drawbacks for every segment.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000086#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"While all six segments support increasing renewable energy use, preferences for fossil fuel use vary: only the Dismissive prefer to increase fossil fuel use, and all other segments prefer to reduce it. Furthermore, half or more in every segment except the Dismissive favor eliminating fossil fuel industry subsidies while opposing the elimination of renewable energy subsidies.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000086#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Support for a carbon tax among the Alarmed, Concerned, and Cautious segments is highest when the tax is designed to create renewable energy and energy efficiency jobs, decrease pollution, or reduce federal income tax. The least popular version is one providing an average tax refund of $180 per household.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000086#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is a widespread belief across all six segments that people sharing their views have less political influence than campaign contributors, the media, and fossil fuel companies. Five of the six segments specifically identify large campaign contributors as having the strongest influence on elected officials.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000086#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["renewable energy","greenhouse gas emissions","carbon tax","energy efficiency","nuclear power","climate policy","public health","green job","energy subsidy"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey"]},{"id":"commgmu-000225","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000225","title":"climate change in the american mind","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2012-09","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/September-2012-Climate-Change-in-the-American-Mind-%E2%80%93-Americans-Global-Warming-Beliefs-and-Attitudes.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"null","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000225#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"A majority of Americans believe global warming is occurring, with 70% in September 2012 compared to 57% in January 2010. Conversely, the percentage of people who believe it is not happening fell from 20% in January 2010 to 12% in September 2012.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000225#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"For the first time since 2008, a majority of Americans (54%) believe that human activities are the primary cause of global warming, an 8-point increase from March 2012. Belief that natural changes are the primary cause dropped to 30%.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000225#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Public perception of scientific consensus is improving; 44% of Americans believe most scientists agree that global warming is happening, while 36% believe there is widespread disagreement. This marks the first time since 2008 that belief in agreement outweighed belief in disagreement.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000225#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"While personal threat is rising, global warming is still largely seen as a distant risk. Higher percentages of Americans believe it will harm future generations (68%), plant and animal species (68%), and people in developing countries (64%) than they believe it will harm themselves.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000225#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Climate scientists are the most trusted source of information on global warming among the groups surveyed, with 76% of Americans expressing trust in them.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000225#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["climate change","obsidian"],"geography_discussed":["World"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey"]},{"id":"commgmu-000226","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000226","title":"Extreme Weather and Climate Change in the American Mind","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2012-09","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/September-2012-Extreme-Weather-and-Climate-Change-in-the-American-Mind.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The report finds that a growing majority of Americans (74%) believe global warming is affecting U.S. weather, with many attributing recent extreme heat, drought, and record temperatures to climate change. It details regional variations in perceptions, noting that Midwesterners were particularly sensitive to drought and crop harm in 2012, while Westerners reported higher rates of forest fires. The data shows an increase in the number of Americans reporting personal harm to health, property, or finances from extreme heat and drought.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000226#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"A growing majority of Americans believe global warming is influencing U.S. weather, with 74% agreeing this is the case, representing a 5-point increase from March 2012.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000226#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Americans generally believe global warming exacerbated several recent extreme weather events, most notably the record high temperatures of summer 2012 (73%), drought in the Midwest and Great Plains (71%), the unusually warm winter of 2011-2012 (71%), the unusually warm spring of 2012 (70%), and record forest fires in the American West (65%).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000226#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Public perception of U.S. weather is trending negatively, with 61% of Americans stating that weather in the U.S. has been getting worse over the past several years, an increase of 9 percentage points since March 2012.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000226#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Perceptions of local weather trends vary by region; 56% of Southerners and 50% of Midwesterners believe their local weather has been getting worse over the past few years.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000226#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Drought and heat waves are perceived as becoming more common locally. 51% of Americans believe droughts are more common, a trend driven by a 25-point increase in the Midwest (66%). Similarly, 58% believe heat waves are more common, with significant increases in the Northeast (+12 points) and Midwest (+15 points).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000226#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Personal experiences with extreme weather in the past year were high for heat waves (61%) and drought (49%). In the Midwest, reported experiences of drought (81%) and extreme heat waves (83%) more than doubled compared to March 2012.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000226#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is an increase in reported personal harm from extreme weather; 20% of Americans report suffering harm to their health, property, and/or finances from an extreme heat wave, and 15% report harm from a drought.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000226#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Regional observations of specific hazards differ: 71% of Midwesterners perceive more harm to local crops, while 49% of Westerners report an increase in local forest fires.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000226#insight-8","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["climate change","extreme weather event","drought","heat wave","forest fire","flood","climate change communication"],"geography_discussed":["Northeastern United States","Midwestern United States","South","West"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey"]},{"id":"commgmu-000231","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000231","title":"Climate Change in the American Mind Political Briefing","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"briefing","language":"en","date_published":"2012-09","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/September-2012-The-Potential-Impact-of-Global-Warming-on-the-2012-Presidential-Election.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"A September 2012 survey of 1,061 American adults indicates that undecided likely voters share more similarities with likely Obama voters than likely Romney voters regarding climate change. While 80% of undecideds believe global warming is happening and 65% attribute it to human causes, only 45% of likely Romney voters believe it is occurring and 27% see it as human-caused. A majority of undecideds (61%) consider global warming one of several important factors in their voting decision. There is broad agreement across all groups that the U.S. should increase renewable energy use, though views on reducing fossil fuels diverge. Approximately 40% of undecideds and 36% of likely Romney voters report they could \"easily change their mind\" about global warming.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000231#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Undecided likely voters are more aligned with likely Obama voters than likely Romney voters on climate change beliefs. 80% of undecideds believe global warming is happening, compared to 86% of likely Obama voters and 45% of likely Romney voters. Regarding the cause, 65% of both undecideds and likely Obama voters believe global warming is \"mostly human caused,\" whereas only 27% of likely Romney voters hold this view.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000231#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is significant divergence in how different voter groups perceive scientific consensus on global warming. While 66% of likely Obama voters believe most scientists think global warming is happening, only 22% of likely Romney voters agree. A majority of likely Romney voters (57%) believe \"there is a lot of disagreement among scientists\" on the issue, while undecideds are split, with 46% believing scientists agree and 42% believing there is significant disagreement.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000231#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Global warming is a significant factor for a majority of undecided and likely Obama voters when determining their vote for President, with 61% of undecideds and 75% of likely Obama voters stating it will be one of several important issues. Consequently, 64% of undecideds and 61% of likely Obama voters believe the President should be \"doing more\" about global warming, while 47% of likely Romney voters believe the President should be doing less.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000231#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"While all likely voter groups agree that the U.S. should increase the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal, they disagree on the reduction of fossil fuels. 55% of undecideds and 65% of likely Obama voters believe the U.S. should use fewer fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), but only 38% of likely Romney voters agree.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000231#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"A substantial portion of the electorate remains open to changing their views on global warming, with 40% of undecideds and 36% of likely Romney voters stating they could \"easily change their mind.\"","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000231#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["climate change","renewable energy","fossil fuel","climate change communication","solar energy","wind energy","geothermal energy"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey"]},{"id":"commgmu-000056","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000056","title":"A Public Health Frame Arouses Hopeful Emotions about Climate Change","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"research paper","language":"en","date_published":"2012-06-30","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/all/a-public-health-frame-arouses-hopeful-emptions-about-climate-change/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"A study of U.S. residents found that a public health frame is the most effective at eliciting emotional reactions that support climate change mitigation and adaptation, while a national security frame may cause anger among skeptical audiences.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000056#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Among various audience segments, framing climate change through a public health lens was the most effective method for triggering emotional responses that align with support for adaptation and mitigation efforts.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000056#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Using a national security frame may produce a 'boomerang' effect for people who are already dismissive or doubtful of climate change, leading to unintended feelings of anger.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000056#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["climate change communication","public health","national security","climate change mitigation","climate change adaptation"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["experimental survey"]},{"id":"commgmu-000030","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000030","title":"Extreme Weather, Climate & Preparedness in the American Mind","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"executive summary","language":"en","date_published":"2012-03-06","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/all/extreme-weather-climate-preparedness-in-the-american-mind-march-2012/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The report finds that while a vast majority of Americans experienced extreme weather in the past year and many link high-profile events to global warming, household disaster preparedness remains low, with only about 36-37% having emergency plans or kits.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000030#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"A significant majority of Americans have personal experience with extreme weather, with 82% reporting they experienced one or more types of extreme weather or a natural disaster in the past year, and 35% reporting they were personally harmed a great deal or a moderate amount by such events.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000030#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Americans generally perceive U.S. weather as worsening and believe global warming exacerbated several specific events, including the 2011-2012 warm winter (72%), 2011 record high summer temperatures (70%), the 2011 Texas and Oklahoma drought (69%), 2011 Mississippi River floods (63%), 2010-2011 record snowfall (61%), and Hurricane Irene (59%).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000030#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Household preparedness for disasters is low, with only 36% of Americans having a disaster emergency plan known to all family members and 37% having an emergency supply kit at home.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000030#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["extreme weather event","climate change","drought","flood","hurricane"],"geography_discussed":["Texas","Great Plains","Midwestern United States","Mississippi Valley","Oklahoma"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey"]},{"id":"commgmu-000174","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000174","title":"American Meteorological Society Member Survey on Global Warming: Preliminary Findings","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2012-02-12","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/February-2012-American-Meteorological-Society-Member-Survey-on-Global-Warming-Preliminary-Findings.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The report details a 2011 survey of AMS members, finding that 89% believe global warming is happening and 59% attribute it primarily to human activity. While 53% perceive internal conflict within the society, a majority support the AMS playing an active role in educating the public and policy makers.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000174#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"A vast majority of survey respondents (89%) believe global warming is occurring, with 41% being 'Extremely sure' and 33% 'Very sure'.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000174#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Among those who acknowledge global warming, 59% identify human activity as the primary cause, while 11% believe it is caused by both human activity and natural events in roughly equal amounts.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000174#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Respondents generally view global warming as a threat, with 76% stating that if left unaddressed over the next 100 years, it will be 'very harmful' (38%) or 'somewhat harmful' (38%) to society.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000174#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is a perceived internal divide within the AMS, with 53% of respondents indicating that conflict exists regarding global warming. Of those who see conflict, 26% view it as primarily unproductive and 27% view it as both productive and unproductive.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000174#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is strong support for the AMS to engage in external communication, with 82% of respondents supporting a role in educating the public and 85% supporting a role in educating policy makers.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000174#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The survey sample consisted of 1,862 respondents (a minimum response rate of 26.4% of the 7,062 valid voting members), who were predominantly male (85%), PhD-educated (52%), and identified as liberal (48%) more often than conservative (21%).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000174#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["climate change","climate change communication","climate change mitigation","climate change adaptation","obsidian"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["survey"]},{"id":"commgmu-000192","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000192","title":"Americans’ Actions to Conserve Energy, Reduce Waste, and Limit Global Warming in March 2012","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2012","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/March-2012-Americans-Actions-To-Conserve-Energy-Reduce-Waste-and-Limit-Global-Warming.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"A March 2012 survey of 1,008 American adults found that while 56% attempted to reduce family energy consumption in the past year, specific conservation behaviors like setting thermostats to 68°F or using public transport declined since November 2011. Consumer activism remains a significant trend, with 52% intending to reward or punish companies based on their global warming-related behaviors over the next 12 months. However, engagement in citizen behaviors—such as donating to climate organizations or contacting government officials—remains low, with 80% never donating and 87% never contacting officials in the past year.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000192#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"A majority of Americans (56 percent) reported attempting to reduce their family's energy consumption within the past year.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000192#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Specific energy-saving and transportation behaviors showed a decline between November 2011 and March 2012: only 43% of Americans often or always set winter thermostats to 68 degrees or cooler (a 5-point drop), 21% sometimes, often or always use public transport or carpool (an 11-point drop), and 30% walk or bike instead of driving (a 5-point drop).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000192#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Consumer activism is a notable method of engagement, with 33% of Americans rewarding climate-friendly companies with purchases in the past year, and 52% intending to either reward or boycott companies based on global warming behaviors in the coming 12 months.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000192#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Direct citizen action is relatively low; 80% of respondents have never volunteered or donated to an organization working to reduce global warming, and 87% have never contacted a government official about the issue in the past year.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000192#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Among the 11% of Americans who contacted government officials about global warming, 77% urged action to reduce it, while 19% urged officials not to take action.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000192#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Public engagement with global warming information is mixed: while 28% of Americans increased their attention to news stories in the past year, more people decreased their activity in talking about global warming (27% less), searching for information online (35% less), and sharing information on social networks (41% less).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000192#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["climate change","public transport","climate change communication","energy efficiency"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey"]},{"id":"commgmu-000193","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000193","title":"Climate Change in the American Mind","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2012","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/March-2012-Americans-Global-Warming-Beliefs-and-Attitudes.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The March 2012 survey of 1,008 American adults indicates that while 66% believe global warming is happening, only 46% attribute it primarily to human activities. The public shows a tendency to overestimate the level of disbelief in global warming among their fellow citizens. Trust in information sources is highest for scientists and weather reporters, while trust in fossil fuel companies is the lowest. Political trust is divided, with 47% trusting President Obama and 21% trusting Mitt Romney on the issue.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000193#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Public belief that global warming is occurring increased to 66% in March 2012, up 3 points from November 2011, but the belief that it is caused primarily by human activities fell 4 points to 46%.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000193#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Americans perceive global warming as more harmful to external groups than to themselves; 65% believe it will harm future generations and 64% believe it will harm plant and animal species, compared to only 29% who believe it will harm them personally.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000193#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is a disconnect between scientific consensus and public perception, as the proportion of Americans believing most scientists think global warming is happening dropped 6 points to 35% since November 2011, while those believing in significant scientific disagreement rose to 41%.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000193#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Americans overestimate the level of global warming disbelief in the US; respondents estimated that 21% of Americans do not believe global warming is happening (actual: 14%) and 25% believe it is caused by natural causes (actual: 19%).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000193#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"A significant portion of the population feels undecided, with 70% of Americans stating they need some level of additional information before forming a final opinion on global warming.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000193#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Trust in information sources varies widely: climate scientists (74%), other scientists (65%), and television weather reporters (62%) are highly trusted, whereas oil, gas and coal companies are the least trusted at 13%.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000193#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Political trust regarding global warming is polarized, with 47% of Americans trusting President Obama, while trust in Mitt Romney is only 21% and has decreased by 5 points since November 2011.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000193#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["climate change","climate change communication","obsidian"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey"]},{"id":"commgmu-000194","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000194","title":"Global Warming’s Six Americas","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2012","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/March-2012-and-Nov.-2011-Global-Warmings-Six-Americas.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The report identifies six segments of the U.S. population—Alarmed, Concerned, Cautious, Disengaged, Doubtful, and Dismissive—and tracks their evolving perceptions of global warming. It finds that while the Alarmed and Concerned are convinced of the reality and human cause of climate change, the Dismissive and Doubtful are not. The study also examines the relationship between personal experience with extreme weather and climate beliefs, trust in information sources, and support for specific energy and climate policies.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000194#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The U.S. adult population is divided into six segments based on climate concern: Alarmed (13%), Concerned (26%), Cautious (29%), Disengaged (6%), Doubtful (15%), and Dismissive (10%) as of March 2012.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000194#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is a stark divide in beliefs regarding the cause of global warming: 84% of the Alarmed and 70% of the Concerned attribute it to human activities, whereas 68% of the Doubtful and 65% of the Dismissive attribute it to natural changes.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000194#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Confidence in the ability of humans to successfully reduce global warming is very low across all segments, with 6% or less in each group expressing confidence.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000194#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The Alarmed segment is the most attentive to weather and most likely to perceive that U.S. weather is worsening, with 77% believing it has gotten 'much' or 'somewhat' worse.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000194#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"A majority of the Alarmed (93%), Concerned (92%), Cautious (74%), and Disengaged (73%) believe global warming is affecting U.S. weather, while 90% of the Dismissive and 66% of the Doubtful disagree.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000194#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Trust in climate scientists is higher than trust in other types of scientists for most Americans (73% vs 65%), but this trend is reversed among the Dismissive, where only 29% trust climate scientists.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000194#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Broad support exists for three clean energy policies among all groups except the Dismissive: funding renewable energy research, providing tax rebates for energy-efficient vehicles or solar panels, and regulating carbon dioxide.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000194#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The Alarmed and Dismissive segments exhibit the highest levels of political efficacy, with approximately two-thirds of each group stating they are well-informed about important national political issues.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000194#insight-8","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Interpersonal communication about global warming is rare, with 64% of Americans reporting they never discuss the topic.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000194#insight-9","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"A majority of Americans (68%) believe that media coverage of global warming is distorted by special interest groups.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000194#insight-10","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["climate change","renewable energy","extreme weather event","climate policy","clean energy"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey","longitudinal study","segmentation analysis"]},{"id":"commgmu-000195","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000195","title":"extreme weather, climate & preparedness in the american mind","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2012","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/March-2012-Extreme-Weather-Climate-Preparedness-in-The-American-Mind.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"A 2012 survey of 1,008 American adults found that 82% personally experienced an extreme weather event in the previous year, and a majority believe U.S. weather is worsening. While many link high-profile disasters to global warming, only about a third of respondents have both an emergency plan and a supply kit. The report also highlights a public interest in hearing weathercasters discuss global warming, despite infrequent occurrences of such discussions in forecasts.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000195#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"A vast majority of Americans report personal experience with extreme weather, with 82 percent stating they experienced one or more types of extreme weather or natural disaster in the past year. The most common events reported were extreme high winds (60%), extreme rainstorms (49%), and extreme heat waves (42%).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000195#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Public perception indicates a trend of deteriorating weather conditions in the United States, with 52% of respondents stating the weather has been getting worse over the past several years, compared to 22% who say it has been getting better.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000195#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is significant public belief that global warming exacerbates specific extreme weather events. Majorities agreed this was true for the unusually warm winter of Dec 2011/Jan 2012 (72%), record high summer temperatures in 2011 (70%), and the 2011 drought in Texas and Oklahoma (69%).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000195#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Despite the perceived risks, actual disaster preparedness remains low. Only 36 percent of Americans have a disaster emergency plan known to all family members, and 37 percent have an emergency supply kit in their home.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000195#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Americans show a desire for more climate-related information from their primary weather news sources; 58 percent expressed interest in learning their favorite TV weathercaster's views on global warming, even though only 11 percent had seen a forecaster discuss the topic many times in the previous year.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000195#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Extreme weather has caused tangible harm to a significant portion of the population, with 35 percent of all Americans reporting they were personally harmed a great deal or a moderate amount by an extreme weather event in the past year.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000195#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["extreme weather event","climate change","climate change communication","drought","heat wave","flood","hurricane","wildfire"],"geography_discussed":["Northeastern United States","Midwestern United States","South","West","Texas","Oklahoma"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey"]},{"id":"commgmu-000196","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/commgmu-000196","title":"Climate Change in the American Mind","publisher":{"name":"Center for Climate Change Communication","organization":"center-for-climate-change-communication"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2012","source_url":"https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/March-2012-Public-Support-For-Climate-and-Energy-Polices.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The report finds that majorities of Americans prioritize global warming and clean energy, supporting policies such as renewable energy research, carbon dioxide regulation, and a revenue-neutral tax shift from income to fossil fuels. While there is broad support for environmental protection over economic growth, significant political divisions exist regarding offshore drilling and the Keystone XL pipeline.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000196#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"A large majority of Americans view global warming and clean energy as priorities for the president and Congress, with 72% prioritizing global warming and 92% prioritizing the development of clean energy sources.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000196#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Americans generally believe environmental protection is compatible with or preferable to economic growth; 83% state it either improves growth and jobs or has no effect, and 62% prioritize the environment over economic growth when a conflict exists.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000196#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is broad public support for several specific climate and energy policies: 79% support more renewable energy research, 76% support tax rebates for fuel-efficient vehicles or solar panels, and 75% support regulating carbon dioxide as a pollutant.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000196#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Public opinion on energy infrastructure is divided: 62% support expanded offshore drilling for oil and natural gas, and 69% of those who have heard of the Keystone XL pipeline support its construction.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000196#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Support for nuclear power has declined significantly, dropping from 61% in 2008 to 42% in March 2012, which the report attributes to the Fukushima nuclear accident.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000196#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"A majority of Americans (61%) indicate they would be more likely to vote for a political candidate who supports a \"revenue neutral\" tax shift that increases taxes on fossil fuels while reducing federal income tax by an equal amount.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000196#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Global warming is a significant factor in presidential voting intentions, with 55% of Americans stating it will be either the single most important or one of several important issues in determining their vote.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"commgmu-000196#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["climate change","clean energy","nuclear power","fossil fuel subsidy","carbon tax","environmental protection","climate finance"],"geography_discussed":["Canada"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["public opinion survey"]}]}