What are Our Beliefs and Attitudes About Climate Change Today?

While there are several new beliefs and attitudes reflected in this study, we selected a few, in three different categories, we thought would be of greatest interest to your visitors.

Overall beliefs about Global Warming

·        Seventy-four percent of Americans believe global warming is happening; 15 percent do not believe this.

·        Fifty-three percent are very or extremely concerned about global warming; only 8 percent do not feel this way.

·        Most Americans, 61 percent, understand that global warming is caused by human activity; 28 percent believe natural environmental changes cause it.

Risks of Global Warming 

·        About 50 percent of Americans say they are being harmed “right now” by global warming; 44 percent say they have only “generally” or “not” been impacted.

·        As to harming life on earth:

o    50 percent say it will harm future generations.

o   71 percent deem it will negatively impact plants and animals.

o   47 percent of Americans believe it will harm their own lives today. The remainder think it may or will not impact future generations, plants and animals, and their lives today.

·        About 10 percent of Americans have considered moving to a part of the world that will be less impacted by global warming.

Fatalism

·        Two-thirds of Americans believe we still have time to do something about global warming; 13 percent believe the tipping point has already passed.

·        Nearly 60 percent of Americans believe the actions of a single individual can make a difference in global warming; 42 percent do not believe one person can make a difference.

·        Asked whether new technologies can help us solve global warming challenges, 56 percent of Americans said no; 44 percent said yes, there is a chance that new technologies can help us address global warming challenges.

About the Study:

This study was conducted between April 18, 2023, and May 1, 2023. It involved interviews with 1,011 adults and has a margin of error of plus or minus three percent.

If you have thoughts about this study (or this crazy image), please contact me here.