Search Climate Insights Directory

A 2020 survey of 1,043 U.S. adults found that while most Americans are willing to eat more plant-based foods and less red meat, significant barriers exist, including cost, taste, and lack of access—particularly for lower-income households. The report highlights a gap in awareness, as many respondents do not fully connect meat and dairy production to global warming. It also notes that individuals categorized as 'Alarmed' or 'Concerned' regarding climate change are the most likely to adopt pro-climate dietary behaviors and hold food companies accountable for their environmental impact.

The report examines climate change perceptions among regular viewers and listeners of CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, NPR, the Weather Channel, and national nightly network news. It finds significant divergence in beliefs regarding human-caused global warming, particularly within the Fox News audience, while noting a general desire for more information across most news audiences.

The report finds strong public support for closing illegal and unregulated wildlife markets in four of the five surveyed Asian markets to prevent future pandemics. While awareness of COVID-19 was nearly universal in March 2020, perceptions of the virus's origin and transmission varied by market. In Myanmar, the wildlife trade was identified as the most concerning global issue, whereas in Japan, climate change was the primary worry. The survey also highlights a trust gap between the perceived importance of national governments in combating the outbreak and the actual trust placed in them, with medical professionals being the most trusted actors overall.

The report finds that while Americans are concerned about the impact of plastics on marine life and water quality, they often feel unable to avoid plastic packaging or believe their individual actions are insignificant. There is strong public support for producer responsibility, with businesses ranked as the most responsible party for reducing plastic waste and the entity that should pay for recycling infrastructure. While there is broad support for positive regulations like credits and refund programs, Americans are more divided on taxes and fees.

A survey of registered voters across five U.S. states reveals significant concern over extreme weather, trade wars, and water pollution as threats to agriculture. There is broad support for government programs that help farmers build "living soil" and protect soil health, with a majority of respondents indicating they would be more likely to support a political candidate proposing such measures.

The report finds that 72% of Americans believe global warming is happening, with 59% attributing it to human activities. While 66% express worry and 64% believe it affects U.S. weather, there is a significant gap in understanding the scientific consensus, with only 22% aware that over 90% of climate scientists agree on human-caused warming. Personal experience with climate effects is reported by 46% of respondents, and a majority perceive extreme weather as a risk to their local communities.

The report finds that while 53% of Americans support climate activists, only 33% believe such advocacy influences elected officials. There is a significant gap between willingness to act—such as 51% who would vote for a candidate based on their climate position if asked by a respected peer—and actual behavior, with only 11% having contacted an official in the past year. Trust in public figures like Bill Nye and Greta Thunberg is high among those familiar with them, and these figures are seen as potential catalysts for mobilizing climate campaigns.

The November 2019 report by the Center for Climate Change Communication reveals that 73% of registered U.S. voters believe global warming is happening, though beliefs and policy support vary significantly by political party. While there is broad bipartisan support for renewable energy research and the Paris Climate Agreement, deep divisions persist regarding the causes of global warming and the expansion of fossil fuel production. The report also highlights an increase in the importance of global warming as a voting issue for the 2020 presidential election, particularly among Democrats.

The November 2019 survey indicates that 72% of Americans believe global warming is happening, with 59% attributing it to human activities. While 66% express worry and 64% believe it affects U.S. weather, social engagement remains low, as 59% rarely or never discuss the topic with family and friends. There is a notable gap in understanding scientific consensus, with only 22% aware that over 90% of climate scientists agree on human-caused warming.

The report finds that while 53% of Americans support climate activists, only 33% believe citizen advocacy actually influences elected officials' policy decisions. There is a significant gap between willingness and action: 51% would vote for a candidate based on their global warming position if asked by a respected peer, but only 11% actually contacted an official in the past year. Trust in public figures varies, with Bill Nye and Greta Thunberg being among the most trusted sources of information. Political affiliation strongly correlates with support and participation, with Democrats showing the highest levels of activism and efficacy.

The report finds that while a majority of registered U.S. voters believe global warming is happening and human-caused, significant partisan divides persist. There is broad support for clean energy research and carbon pricing, but voters are split on fossil fuel expansion. Global warming has increased in importance as a voting issue for the 2020 presidential election.

A survey of 1,097 registered U.S. voters found that 67% oppose oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Opposition is widespread across political affiliations, with majorities of Democrats (81%) and Independents (64%) and half of Republicans (50%) opposing the practice. The document notes that the Trump administration planned to open the 1.6 million-acre coastal plain to exploration, despite the area being home to species already threatened by global warming.

A survey of 1,097 registered U.S. voters found that 67% oppose oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), with strong opposition outnumbering strong support by nearly four to one. Opposition is highest among Democrats (81%) and Independents (64%), while half of Republicans (50%) also oppose the practice.

Two national surveys of American adults found that 47% are willing to pay more per month for 100% renewable electricity, with an overall average willingness to pay of $16.25. The highest willingness to pay is associated with liberal Democrats, younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, those with graduate degrees, and individuals who perceive renewable energy as economically beneficial or fossil fuel pollution as harmful to health. Notably, higher income does not correlate with a higher willingness to pay, suggesting the issue is not primarily about affordability.

Based on two national surveys conducted between 2018 and 2019, the report finds that 47% of Americans are willing to pay more for renewable energy, with an overall average additional payment of $16.25 per month. Willingness to pay is driven by perceptions of health risks from fossil fuels, economic benefits of renewables, and political ideology, rather than income levels.

Based on an April 2019 national survey, the document finds that Americans generally underestimate the proportion of their fellow citizens who believe global warming is happening, with an average estimate of 54% compared to an actual figure of 69%. This 'pluralistic ignorance' is more pronounced among conservative Republicans and rural residents, while liberal Democrats and more educated individuals are more accurate. The report argues that perceiving a greater social consensus correlates with more pro-climate views and a higher frequency of discussing the topic with friends and family, suggesting that correcting these misperceptions can increase support for climate policies.

The report finds that Americans significantly underestimate the percentage of their fellow citizens who believe global warming is occurring, with an average estimate of 54% compared to an actual figure of 69%. This gap, termed pluralistic ignorance, is most pronounced among conservative Republicans and rural residents, while liberal Democrats and highly educated individuals are more accurate. The findings suggest that correcting these misperceptions can increase willingness to discuss climate change and increase support for climate policies.

A survey of 5,131 U.S. adults found that a majority of Americans believe fossil fuel companies are responsible for global warming damages and should bear the costs of these damages rather than taxpayers. Specifically, 57% of respondents attribute a moderate to great deal of responsibility to these companies, and 50% support local officials filing liability lawsuits against them. The data indicates widespread distrust of fossil fuel companies, with 66% of participants expressing distrust.

The report analyzes data from 2017 to 2019 to determine if younger Americans are more concerned and engaged with global warming than older generations. It finds that while Millennial Republicans are more likely to accept climate science and worry about global warming than older Republicans—reducing the political divide among youth—actual civic engagement, such as contacting government officials, remains similar across most generations. However, younger generations rank global warming higher as a priority for the 2020 Presidential election than older adults.

A December 2018 survey of 1,114 US adults found that while 73% believe fossil fuel air pollution harms health, only 55% could name a specific health problem. Most respondents cited general respiratory issues, while neurological problems, diabetes, and kidney disease were largely unknown. Additionally, 56% believe certain groups are more vulnerable to these effects, most frequently identifying seniors and those in polluted areas.