Climate change is a controversial subject – even though there are daily examples of it, some with devastating affects to land, as well as human life. A Pew Research April 2023 poll showed that 54% of Americans view climate change as a major threat. That leaves 46% who think otherwise. Let’s look at climate change by the numbers.
Is Climate Change Natural, or Created by Humankind?
Recent Ipsos polling reveals a divided perspective among Americans regarding the causes and existence of climate change, with this division remaining consistent over the past five years.
Does Human Activity Influence Climate Change?
Among those who attribute climate change to human activity, a majority acknowledges the potential for slowing or reversing its effects. Conversely, most individuals in this group are not willing to alter their behavior accordingly. Concurrently, a significant proportion of Americans continue to face more frequent or intense extreme weather events in their regions compared to a decade ago.
It’s A Split Decision
Forty-nine percent of Americans maintain their belief that climate change is mainly a result of human activities, with this percentage remaining unchanged since 2017 and 2018. Seven percent denies its occurrence altogether.
The Weather Doesn’t Care If You Are Republican or Democrat, But…
Partisanship plays a significant role in shaping these opinions, according to the Ipsos poll. About 46% of Republicans attribute climate change to natural patterns. In contrast, only 13% of Democrats believe that to be true.
Are You Willing To Make Changes?
Less than half of Americans express willingness to make changes within the next year. These changes would include using public transportation, switching to electric vehicles, and opting to walk or bike instead of driving for shorter distances. Democrats are more inclined than Republicans to take such measures.
Is It Too Late To Make Changes?
Despite the mixed views on climate change, 54% of Americans still hold the belief that it is not too late to address and halt its progression. Democrats are more optimistic in this regard, with 60% believing in the possibility, compared to 52% of Republicans.
Who Is Experiencing Climate Change?
Everyone. The Ipsos survey also reflects that most Americans have experienced some form of extreme weather, with the perception of increasing frequency and intensity varying across regions.
Weather Intensification
Sixty-seven percent say unusual weather for the season has gotten more frequent; 60% say it has become more intense in their region compared to ten years ago. Fifty-five percent call-out extreme heat as an issue, 43% mention poor air quality or air pollution.
Weather in The Western US
For example, 63% of respondents from the West reported a higher prevalence of extreme heat, 58% report droughts, and 65% noted wildfires becoming more intense compared to other regions.
Weather in The Midwestern US
Fifty-one percent of Midwesterners say extreme heat has become more intense, and more frequent.
Weather in The Northeast US
Fifty-four percent of those living in the northeast say extreme heat has become more intense, and more frequent.
Forty-seven percent in the northeast have seen increased flooding, and that hurricanes and tropical storms have become more intense.
Weather in The South US
Fifty-two percent of southerners say extreme heat has become more intense, and more frequent. Thirty-three percent of those living in the south feel that tornadoes have become more frequent.
Can We Become Carbon Neutral?
A Pew Research Poll conducted in April 2023 found that 69% favor the US taking steps to become carbon neutral by 2050, and the same number contend that the US should prioritize developing renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, rather than expanding the production of oil, coal and natural gas.
Carbon neutrality dictates releasing no more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than is removed and was outlined as a goal by President Joe Biden. Fifty-free percent of Republicans oppose this. Climate experts say it’s necessary to significantly reduce carbon emissions, in order to slow the pace of climate change.
Climate Change Viewed Differently By Age
The same Pew Research Poll found that while Americans are reluctant to phase out fossil fuels all together, the younger demographics are more open to it.
Fifty percent of Americans ages 18 to 29 say the US should use a mix of energy sources, including fossil fuels, while 48% say we should focus exclusively one renewables.
Young People vs Seniors
Age disparities are apparent within both the Democratic and Republican parties. Among Democrats and Democratic-leaning individuals, 62% of those aged 18 to 29 support the complete phasing out of fossil fuels, while this position is shared by only around four-in-ten Democrats aged 50 and above.
Republican vs Democrats
On the Republican side, regardless of age, there is widespread support for maintaining a mix of energy sources, including oil, coal, and natural gas. However, interestingly, 22% of Republicans aged 18 to 29 advocate for the US to entirely phase out fossil fuels. In contrast, this perspective is less prevalent among Republicans aged 50 and older, with fewer than one-in-ten holding the same view.
So, How Do We Know Climate Change Is Real?
While Earth has experienced natural climate fluctuations throughout its history, the current warming trend stands out as unprecedented in the last 10,000 years. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) acknowledges a significant paradigm shift in scientific understanding, with human activities now firmly established as a driver of climate change since the 1970s.
Numerous scientific sources, drawing from a variety of data, reinforce the unmistakable evidence of a shifting climate. Information gathered from natural sources such as ice cores, rocks, and tree rings, combined with data from modern tools like satellites and instruments, all converge to highlight the undeniable signs of this transformation. These indicators encompass a rise in global temperatures and alarming melting of ice sheets, providing compelling evidence of our planet’s ongoing warming process.
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