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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.