Climate Change in the American Mind

The report details a survey of 1,011 US adults, finding that 74% believe global warming is happening and 61% attribute it primarily to human activity. While 66% express worry and 62% feel a personal responsibility to help, social engagement remains low, with 66% rarely or never discussing the issue with family and friends. A majority of respondents perceive global warming as already affecting US weather and various environmental problems, such as extreme heat and rising sea levels, though only 20% recognize the high level of scientific consensus (over 90%) on human-caused warming.

• A significant majority of Americans believe global warming is occurring, with those who think it is happening outnumbering those who do not by nearly 5 to 1 (74% vs 15%). When including those who 'lean' toward a yes answer, the total rises to 82%.
• While 61% of Americans believe global warming is mostly human-caused, there is a gap in understanding the strength of scientific consensus; only 20% are aware that more than 90% of climate scientists agree that human-caused global warming is happening.
• Americans perceive immediate and future risks from global warming, with 48% believing people in the US are being harmed "right now" and 44% reporting personal experience with its effects. High percentages of respondents believe it will harm future generations (71%), plant and animal species (70%), and the world's poor (69%).
• Despite 66% of Americans being at least "somewhat worried" and 62% feeling a personal responsibility to reduce global warming, social discourse is limited, as 66% rarely or never discuss the topic with family and friends.
• Americans generally reject fatalism regarding climate change: 66% disagree that it is too late to act, 57% disagree that individual actions make no difference, and 56% disagree that technology alone can solve the problem without individual lifestyle changes.
• A majority of Americans (65%) believe global warming is affecting US weather. Specific environmental concerns cited as being affected include extreme heat (75%), rising sea levels (72%), wildfires (71%), and droughts (71%).
• Local risk perception is high, with 56% of Americans viewing extreme weather as a high or moderate risk to their community over the next decade. Majorities are worried about local harm from extreme heat, water pollution, air pollution, and power outages (all 71-72%).
• A small minority of the population (11%) has considered relocating their home specifically to avoid the impacts of global warming.

APA

Center for Climate Change Communication (2023). Climate Change in the American Mind. https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/climate-change-american-mind-beliefs-attitudes-spring-2023.pdf

Chicago

Center for Climate Change Communication. Climate Change in the American Mind. 2023. https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/climate-change-american-mind-beliefs-attitudes-spring-2023.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Center for Climate Change Communication |title=Climate Change in the American Mind |date=2023 |url=https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/climate-change-american-mind-beliefs-attitudes-spring-2023.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{centerforclimatechangecommunication2023climate, author = {{Center for Climate Change Communication}}, title = {{Climate Change in the American Mind}}, institution = {Center for Climate Change Communication}, year = {2023}, url = {https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/climate-change-american-mind-beliefs-attitudes-spring-2023.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }