Poll: Beliefs on Climate Change and Severe Weather

Seven in 10 Americans say weather-related disasters are becoming more severe, and nearly half of them say this is because of climate change. 

Overall, 71% of Americans say climate change is happening, while just 12% say it is not and 17% are not sure. Among those who say climate change is happening or aren’t sure, 45% say it is caused mostly or entirely by human activities, while just 16% say it is mostly or entirely the result of natural changes in the environment. 38% think it’s an equal mix of both factors. Among those who say climate change is happening or aren’t sure, 82% say it is something the United States government should be addressing, regardless of its cause.

More than half of Americans say climate change is very or extremely important to them. At the same time, two-thirds disapprove of how President Trump is handling the issue. Democrats (79%) are more likely than independents (50%) or Republicans (27%) to say climate change is very or extremely important to them.