Belief in human-driven climate change declined overall, except among Republicans—driven by an increase in belief from Republicans under 45.
Though a majority of Democrats said they believed in human-driven climate change, while about a third of Republicans said the same, there is a notable increase in belief among Republicans. This is driven by Republicans under age 45. In 2017, 26 percent of both young and old Republicans believed in human-driven climate change. Now, while just 29 percent of Republicans over age 45 believe in it, that number is up to 42 percent of young Republicans.
After experiencing climate impacts, more Americans believe in human-driven climate change and the need for policy action
As Americans experience extreme climate events like hurricanes, droughts, floods, unusual temperatures and wildfires, their views on climate appear to change. About 9 in 10 who experienced extreme weather believe that climate change was a contributing factor, and about half think it was a major factor. Those who experienced extreme weather are also more likely to believe the federal government should combat climate change to stop extreme weather from getting worse, as well as to support regulations to reduce emissions and funding to help communities adapt to climate change. There was less division between the groups regarding whether the federal government should provide aid after a natural disaster. Despite recent cuts to the National Weather Service and its parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), most Americans support the federal government tracking weather and warning of weather-related risks.
Climate change may spur some to move, as most Americans experience extreme climate events
Extreme climate events are mounting for Americans throughout the country. About three-quarters of Americans say they experienced unusually hot days this year. About 40 percent experienced severe storms, 35 percent experienced flooding, 32 percent experienced droughts and water shortages, and nearly a quarter experienced a wildfire. To avoid these extreme climate events, 21 percent of Americans say they would consider moving. About a third of those living in the West South Central region (Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma) would consider moving, more than most other regions in the United States. About 20 percent of those in the Pacific region (Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington) would consider moving, after 60 percent said they experienced wildfires this past year.
Most Americans believe the federal government should respond to natural disasters, but few have confidence in agencies’ ability to do so
While about three-quarters of Americans believe the federal government should provide aid and help communities rebuild following a natural disaster, only about a quarter have confidence in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to respond to a natural disaster in their neighborhood. Strikingly, there was little difference in confidence between Democrats and Republicans, nor was there a significant difference between those who had experienced and hadn’t experienced extreme weather events. Americans have more confidence in the national weather service and local weather forecasters. Local first responders are held in the highest confidence from Americans.