Search Climate Insights Directory

Based on a Fall 2025 survey of 1,146 U.S. adults, the report finds that 94% of Americans visit at least one social media platform weekly, with YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram being the most common across all climate-opinion segments. The 'Alarmed' segment hears about global warming on social media most frequently (43% at least once a month), while the 'Disengaged' hear about it least (8%). The authors suggest that climate communicators should prioritize video content and strategically select platforms to reach different segments, noting that algorithms likely reinforce existing beliefs by tailoring climate information to user habits.

A Spring 2026 survey of 1,060 U.S. adults reveals that a majority of Americans (56%) oppose building data centers in their local areas and 59% expect such developments to increase their electricity bills. There is strong broad support (73%) for requiring data center developers to offset electricity use by installing rooftop solar or weatherizing local homes. While views on global warming vary across the 'Six Americas' segments, opposition to local data centers and support for energy efficiency offsets are relatively consistent across most groups, with the 'Alarmed' showing the highest opposition and the 'Dismissive' the lowest support for offsets.

The report finds that Americans with disabilities are more likely to perceive global warming as harming their own health than those without disabilities, though a majority of both groups may still underestimate these risks. It also highlights a significant trust gap, with disabled Americans showing lower trust in federal agencies and climate scientists, while maintaining similar trust in primary care doctors and first responders.

The report argues that communication is a critical climate solution that must be integrated into the budgeting and design of all local government programs. It outlines six key strategies for effective communication: investing in dedicated funding, conducting audience research, prioritizing climate justice and equity, leveraging social norms and storytelling to reduce psychological distance, utilizing trusted community messengers, and employing diverse communication channels. The document emphasizes that local governments are uniquely positioned to drive action because a majority of Americans want their local officials to address climate change.

A survey of 2,164 adults in India reveals that a majority (58%) are unfamiliar with the term "global warming." Among those who are familiar, the most common associations are heat, water, and pollution. Familiarity and specific associations vary significantly by education, income, and urbanicity, with higher education and urban residence correlating with greater awareness and specific associations like heat.

Lisa Fernandez's farewell note outlines the evolution of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (YPCCC) from its inception in 2007. She highlights the program's dual focus on research—such as the "Climate Change in the American Mind" project and audience segmentation—and impact, including the creation of Yale Climate Connections and the Yale Climate Opinion Maps. Fernandez notes the program's expansion into international research and education, specifically mentioning work in China, Brazil, and India, and the launch of a "Strategic Climate Change Communication" online course. She concludes by introducing her successor, Jono Anzalone, and emphasizing the continued public support for climate action.

The document outlines the role of global warming as a voting priority for U.S. registered voters ahead of the 2026 elections. It details voter preferences for candidates who support climate action, support for regulating carbon dioxide, and the intersection of climate change with the cost of living. The data highlights significant partisan divides, with strong support for climate action among Democrats and lower, though present, support among some Republicans.

A survey of 930 registered U.S. voters reveals broad support for clean energy research and policies, such as soil restoration (88%) and carbon dioxide regulation (77%). While 58% prefer candidates who support climate action, significant political polarization remains regarding the priority of global warming for the president and Congress. Notably, 67% of voters believe global warming affects the U.S. cost of living, primarily impacting utility bills and groceries. The report also highlights a majority opposition (58%) to local data center construction due to concerns over electricity costs, and a general trust in climate scientists (71%) and primary care doctors (65%) as information sources.

The analysis finds a very weak correlation between a country's institutional readiness and its citizens' perceived personal preparedness for extreme weather. While some countries like Vietnam show high levels of both, others like Armenia have high institutional readiness but low personal preparedness, and the Philippines shows high personal preparedness despite lower institutional readiness. The study emphasizes that climate resilience requires tailored strategies based on these distinct gaps, noting that 48 of the 68 examined countries rank in the bottom half of global institutional readiness.

The report identifies six audience segments in the U.S. public based on their climate change perceptions: Alarmed, Concerned, Cautious, Disengaged, Doubtful, and Dismissive. As of Fall 2025, 25% of Americans are Alarmed, and 52% are either Alarmed or Concerned. Over the last decade, the Alarmed segment grew by 14 percentage points, while the Cautious segment decreased by 7 percentage points. The report also details how these groups differ in their information needs, news consumption, and primary worries.

A survey of 10,751 Indian adults conducted between December 2024 and February 2025 reveals widespread concern over extreme heat and air pollution. Worry is most pronounced among younger and middle-aged adults, women, and urban residents, with a notable trend of higher concern for air pollution among those with higher education levels.

A survey of 1,068 American adults in Spring 2026 reveals that 68% believe global warming is happening, with 59% attributing it primarily to human activity. While 66% of respondents express worry about global warming and a majority perceive it as an environmental, scientific, or agricultural issue, social engagement remains low, with 69% rarely or never discussing the topic with family and friends.

The Durham Medical Orchestra (DMO) leveraged YPCCC's data and segmentation tools to move away from 'gloom and doom' narratives, instead using health- and action-oriented messaging to engage an audience of approximately 1,000 people. By combining a curated musical program—balancing emotional processing of the climate crisis with hopeful themes—with panel discussions and tangible action pledges, the DMO successfully attracted new audiences and raised over $2,000 for Hurricane Helene relief.

Between March 2021 and May 2025, Americans increasingly shifted their primary news consumption from traditional TV to online sources, particularly social media. This trend is most pronounced among the 'Concerned' and 'Alarmed' segments of the public, raising concerns about the spread of climate misinformation on platforms with less regulatory oversight.

Based on a May 2025 survey of 1,040 adults, the report finds that government corruption (54%), the cost of living (48%), and the economy (47%) are the top worries for Americans. In contrast, only 29% of the general population is very worried about global warming. The study highlights deep polarization: the 'Alarmed' group is highly concerned about climate change (92%), while the 'Doubtful' and 'Dismissive' groups report 0% high concern. The report suggests that climate communicators can broaden appeal by connecting climate action to economic opportunities, energy costs, and government accountability.

A May 2025 survey of 1,040 U.S. adults found that while 82% of Americans believe homeowners insurance costs are increasing, only 48% attribute this rise to global warming. In contrast, 69% link the increases to disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. Other highly cited drivers include inflation (70%) and insurance company profits (69%). A significant political divide exists regarding the role of global warming, with 71% of liberal Democrats and only 27-28% of Republicans acknowledging its contribution.

The Fall 2025 report on 'Climate Change in the American Mind' reveals that 72% of Americans believe global warming is happening, with 58% attributing it primarily to human activity. While 64% express worry about global warming, a significant majority (61%) underestimate the prevalence of this concern among their fellow citizens. The report highlights a strong perception that global warming is currently affecting U.S. weather, particularly extreme heat (74%), wildfires (72%), and droughts (72%). Despite these beliefs, frequent discussion of the topic remains low, with 44% of adults stating they never discuss global warming with family and friends. Personal importance of the issue has declined to 59%, the lowest level in 10 years. Consumer activism is present but limited, with 31% rewarding climate-friendly companies and 26% punishing those opposing climate action over the past year.

The document analyzes how employment in outdoor sectors—such as agriculture and construction—correlates with public concern about extreme heat in the US. It finds a moderate positive correlation overall, though this varies by region: concern is higher in the South and West but lower in the Midwest and Northeast. The briefing highlights the disproportionate impact of heat on marginalized groups and the economic risks of inaction, while comparing state-level heat protections and international policy examples.

The analysis finds a modest positive correlation between the proportion of outdoor workers and worry about extreme heat at the county level, though this relationship varies by region. While the South and West show positive correlations, the Midwest and Northeast show negative correlations. At the state level, a stronger positive correlation exists. The document also notes a gap between heat worry and the implementation of worker protections, highlighting that some high-worry states like Texas and Florida have blocked local heat safety standards, while California's 2005 standards are linked to a 30% reduction in heat-related injuries.

Using Google Search data, the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication identifies that interest in climate change in the United States follows predictable cycles tied to Earth Day and the school year, as well as spikes driven by extreme weather. While heatwaves trigger nationwide interest, events like wildfires produce more localized spikes based on geographic exposure, such as the 2023 Canadian wildfires affecting the American Northeast. The authors argue that these trends can be used by decision-makers to time communications on risk, adaptation, and the transition to renewable energy when public awareness is highest.