WHAT DO AMERICANS THINK?

As figures 1-4 show, around two-thirds of Americans believe most scientists agree global warming is occurring, believe climate change is due to human activities, worry a great deal or a fair amount about climate change, and feel there should be stricter laws and regulations to protect the environment. There is an enormous difference in these views between Americans who identify as Democrats and those who identify as Republicans.

Figure 1. Most scientists believe global warming is occurring
Share of US adults. Question: “Which one of the following statements do you think is most accurate: most scientists believe that global warming is occurring, most scientists believe that global warming is not occurring, or most scientists are unsure about whether global warming is occurring or not?” “Democrat”: Democrat or lean Democrat. “Republican”: Republican or lean Republican. Data source: Gallup, “Gallup Poll Social Series: Environment,” 2019.

Figure 2. Climate change is due more to human activities than to natural changes
Share of US adults. Question: “From what you have heard or read, do you believe increases in the Earth’s temperature over the last century are due more to the effects of pollution from human activities or to natural changes in the environment that are not due to human activities?” “Democrat”: Democrat or lean Democrat. “Republican”: Republican or lean Republican. Data source: Gallup, “Gallup Poll Social Series: Environment,” 2019.

Figure 3. I worry about climate change a great deal or a fair amount
Share of US adults. Question: “How much do you personally worry about climate change/global warming?” Response options: a great deal, a fair amount, only a little, not at all. “Democrat”: Democrat or lean Democrat. “Republican”: Republican or lean Republican. Data source: Gallup, “Gallup Poll Social Series: Environment,” 2019.

Figure 4. There needs to be stricter laws and regulations to protect the environment
Share of US adults. Question: “Do you agree or disagree: There needs to be stricter laws and regulations to protect the environment.” “Democrat”: Democrat or lean Democrat. “Republican”: Republican or lean Republican. Data source: Pew Research Center, Question Database, American Values Survey, q40a.

Figure 5 shows that only half of Americans believe rising temperatures are extremely or very dangerous. Although low, this share isn’t exceptional compared to other rich democratic nations.

Figure 5. A rise in the world’s temperature caused by climate change is extremely or very dangerous
Share of adults. Question: “In general, do you think that a rise in the world’s temperature caused by climate change is extremely dangerous for the environment, very dangerous, somewhat dangerous, not very dangerous, or not dangerous at all?” Data source: International Social Survey Programme (ISSP), “Environment III,” 2010, gesis.org/issp, variable 43 q14e.