Survey: 58% of Americans are now alarmed or concerned about climate change

by Matthew Goldberg, Abel Gustafson, Seth Rosenthal, John Kotcher, Edward Maibach, and Anthony Leiserowitz, Climate Change Communications, January 16, 2020

Highlights:

• A study was performed to collect data on Americans’ belief in global warming
• ‘Nearly six in ten (58%) Americans are now either “Alarmed” or “Concerned” about global warming
• From 2014 to 2019, the proportion of “Alarmed” nearly tripled
• Prior research has categorized Americans into six groups – Global Warming’s Six Americas – based on their climate change beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. The “Alarmed” are the most worried about global warming and the most supportive of strong action to reduce carbon pollution. In contrast, the “Dismissive” do not think global warming is happening or human-caused and strongly oppose climate action. 

This study shows the potential for a groundswell of public support for climate action. See The Climate Center’s Theory of Change for how public support could help with rapid decarbonization.

Read more: https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/publications/for-the-first-time-the-alarmed-are-now-the-largest-of-global-warmings-six-americas/

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Maddie Maffia

Communications Associate at The Climate Center

Madelyn is a graduate of Oregon State University, with a degree in environmental science with specializations in aquatic biology and environmental water resources.

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