Americans Show Limited Concern Over Climate Change

Recent polling data reveals that a significant portion of Americans remain unconcerned about climate change and its potential impacts. According to a Gallup survey cited by CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten, only 40% of Americans are "greatly worried" about climate change, marking a decrease of six percentage points since 2020. This figure has remained relatively stable over the past three decades, despite numerous high-profile weather events.
Enten emphasized that public concern has not increased in line with the frequency of natural disasters. For instance, the percentage of Americans who worry about becoming victims of natural disasters has dropped from 38% in 2006 to 32% today. Even among political parties, a minority believe climate change will directly affect their homes. Just 27% of Democrats, 16% of independents, and 6% of Republicans hold this view.
The data underscores a broader skepticism about the immediate personal impact of climate change. Despite efforts by some politicians and media figures to link extreme weather events, such as the recent Texas floods, to climate change, the public remains largely unmoved. Historians note that extreme weather has occurred throughout Earth's history, with some of the deadliest floods happening over a century ago.
The findings suggest that climate change continues to rank low among American priorities, with public engagement and concern remaining relatively stagnant despite decades of advocacy and media coverage.

Published: 7/15/2025