A Majority of Republicans Believe Climate and Weather Change Is Happening: 80% of Americans understand that climate change is happening, including 94% of Democrats, 71% of Independents, and 64% of Republicans (up from 58% in 2015). Two in three Republicans (66%) now say they are noticing more severe and changing seasonal weather over recent years, representing a 14-point gain over three years, the highest gain amongst the three parties.

Americans are Concerned about Climate, Think Few Others are Concerned: A majority (73%) of Americans are concerned about climate change, including 90% of Democrats and 66% of Independents. However, the largest gain in concern has been among Republicans (54%), reporting a 9-point increase in concern since 2015 (from 45% in 2015 to 54% in 2018, with a peak of 59% in 2017). Most Americans believe others around them are less are concerned than actually are. Only 57% of Americans think others are concerned, with 55% of Republicans, 54% of Independents, and 60% of Democrats believing this.

Who Republicans Trust For Information: Republicans are looking most to scientists (77%), the President (48%), environmental organizations (47%), and health professionals (44%) for guidance on climate change. Compared to 2015, they have increasing trust of many types of leaders for information, including environmental organizations (up 10-points since 2015) and local community leaders (up 12-points since 2015). However, since 2017 their trust for information on climate has waned across categories, most notably with media, Congress, and federally elected officials. 

Republican Support for Natural Gas and Oil Production is Dwindling: 89% of Americans think the U.S. should produce more wind and solar energy, including 87% of Republicans. Although two in three Republicans would like the U.S. to produce more natural gas, and half say more oil, support has waned 13- and 15-points since 2015, respectively (down from 81% and 67%). Republican support for clean energy wins by 20- and 35-points. Republican Support for Local Climate Action Increases: A majority (60%) of Republicans want their city to prepare for the impacts of climate change. And, they increasingly want their cities to conserve energy (48%), develop clean energy like wind or solar (46%), and educate the public about climate change (36%), in 14-, 22-, and 21-point increases since 2015.