Issue: Climate Impacts

Americans are concerned about the impact of water scarcity on farmers and ranchers, the economy and public health. More than half of voters in drought-impacted Arizona and Colorado, in particular, fear their state will not have enough water in the next 100 years. Nearly 80% of Americans, nationally, support protecting “natural infrastructure” such as rivers, coastlines, and groundwater supplies. 13% of Americans said that “environmental issues—like climate change, increased temperature, drought, flooding, extreme weather, wildfires” are the most important set of political issues to them, personally. This poll includes over 80 total questions on various aspects of climate impacts and policy.

Maryland residents are concerned about climate impacts on their state. 55% think climate is having a major impact on rising sea levels and retreating shorelines, compared to 54% who think climate effects are majorly impacting wildlife and ecosystems, 54% who believe the same about extreme weather, 46% about the fishing or agricultural industry, and 40% about human health. This poll also included questions about COVID-19.

Americans are concerned about climate impacts on U.S. national parks and see national parks as key to climate solutions. 88% of Americans say climate change is negatively impacting national parks, including 95% of Democrats and 80% of Republicans. 92% of Democrats agree that national parks are an important part of the solution to reducing climate change (compared to 75% of Republicans). Similarly, 93% of Democrats say they would be more likely to support their representative if they supported legislation to reduce the impact on parks (compared to 73% of Republicans).

“Perceived fairness” and “effectiveness” are the most important determinants of public support for climate policies. “Self-enhancement values” and “knowledge about climate change” showed weak relationships to public opinion support, and demographic variables showed only weak or close to zero relationship to support for climate policies (or climate concern). “Fairness” refers to the extent that people or a process are treated or implemented equally, or according to criteria like need or merit. “Effectiveness” is people’s beliefs that a policy can fulfill a specific aim.