Public understanding of several key indicators – that climate change is happening, affecting the weather, harming Americans, etc. – have declined back to levels from March 2021. Americans who think global warming is happening outnumber those who think it is not happening by a ratio of 6 to 1 (72% versus 12%). Those who are “very” or “extremely” sure global warming is happening outnumber those who are “very” or “extremely” sure it is not happening more than 7 to 1 (54% versus 7%). A majority of Americans (64%) say they are at least “somewhat worried” about global warming. Three in ten (30%) say they are “very worried.” About half of Americans (48%) think people in the United States are being harmed by global warming “right now,” and four in ten (43%) say they have personally experienced the effects of global warming. Two in three Americans (67%) say they “rarely” or “never” discuss global warming with family and friends, while one in three (33%) say they do so “occasionally” or “often.” A majority of Americans (61%) disagree with the statement “it’s already too late to do anything about global warming,” while only 17% agree. A majority of Americans (63%) think global warming is affecting weather in the United States, including 32% who think weather is being affected “a lot.” This report details these and other findings.
Public Resource
Climate Change in the American Mind, April 2022