American Opinion on Climate Change Warms Up

Researchers at Yale University and George-Mason University have released new studies, with data on Americans’ views on climate change, and related issues. This is some of the most up-to-date research available and sheds some light on how the American public feels about environmental issues.Perhaps as a result of the BP disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, the good news is that public concern about global warming is once again on the rise, up four points since January. Importantly, the number of Americans who said that the issue is personally important to them rose five points, to 63%.

Climate Change in the American Mind: Americans’ Global Warming Beliefs and Attitudes is a general look at how, and why, Americans feel about climate change. This includes data on what Americans consider to be trustworthy sources of climate change information, how much they worry, and what they think will happen in the future. The study also shows opinions over time (June 2010, January 2010, November 2008).

Climate Change in the American Mind: Public Support for Climate & Energy Policies, polled Americans on the current and future energy consequences of climate change and how they think the government should respond.

The Climate Change Generation? Survey Analysis of the Perceptions and Beliefs of Young Americans provides insights from polling of relatively young Americans, between the ages of 18-34. The study found that this group is generally more disengaged and thinks less about climate change than their older counterparts. However, they are more likely to believe climate change is caused by humans, more optimistic about taking action, and more trusting of scientific experts on the subject.

To access these reports, please visit The Ocean Project’s “Communicating Conservation” Web page with a comprehensive database of the latest research and resources for information on how to help communicate about climate change with your visitors and help motivate them to take personal action. Suggestions for additional resources to include are always most welcome!