Americans say that extreme weather and scientists have the greatest influence on their climate attitudes; most say they’ve been affected by extreme weather in recent years. 72% of Americans recognize that climate change is happening, compared to just 12% who deny it. 55% of adults report experiencing extremely hot weather or a heat wave in the last 5 years, and 45% say severe cold weather or severe winter storms. People report that extreme weather events and scientists have the most impact on their climate change views—which is true among both Republicans and Democrats.