Extreme Weather and Climate Change in the American Mind

The report finds that a majority of Americans perceive U.S. weather as having worsened in recent years, with 58% believing global warming affects U.S. weather. A high percentage of the population (85%) reported experiencing extreme weather in the past year, most commonly high winds and extreme heat. The document details regional variations in weather experiences and identifies public priorities for government protection of infrastructure, such as water supplies and transportation, against extreme weather over the next decade.

• A majority of Americans believe U.S. weather has deteriorated recently, with 59% stating it has been worse over the past several years. This sentiment is strongest in the West, where 63% report weather has been "much" or "somewhat" worse.
• There is a significant public perception that global warming influences U.S. weather, with 58% of Americans agreeing. Specific events linked to global warming by the public include the 2012 record warmth (50%), the Midwest and Great Plains drought (49%), Superstorm Sandy (46%), and Superstorm Nemo (42%).
• Personal experience with extreme weather is widespread, with 85% of Americans experiencing at least one type in the past year, most frequently extreme high winds (60%) and extreme heat (51%). Approximately 37% of those who experienced such events reported being significantly harmed.
• Americans identify critical infrastructure at risk from extreme weather over the next 10 years, specifically agriculture (55%) and the electricity system (51%). There is strong public support for government prioritization of protecting public water supplies (78%) and transportation/roads/bridges (73%).

APA

Team, M. 4. (2013). Extreme Weather and Climate Change in the American Mind. Center for Climate Change Communication. https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/all/extreme-weather-and-climate-change-in-the-american-mind-november-2013/

Chicago

Team, Mason 4C. Extreme Weather and Climate Change in the American Mind. Center for Climate Change Communication, 2013. https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/all/extreme-weather-and-climate-change-in-the-american-mind-november-2013/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Team |first1=Mason 4C |title=Extreme Weather and Climate Change in the American Mind |publisher=Center for Climate Change Communication |date=3 April 2013 |url=https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/all/extreme-weather-and-climate-change-in-the-american-mind-november-2013/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{team2013extreme, author = {Team, Mason 4C}, title = {{Extreme Weather and Climate Change in the American Mind}}, institution = {Center for Climate Change Communication}, year = {2013}, month = apr, url = {https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/all/extreme-weather-and-climate-change-in-the-american-mind-november-2013/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }