Meet Global Warming’s Six Americas

Our research has identified “Global Warming’s Six Americas” as six unique audiences within the American public that each responds to the issue of climate change in a distinct way. Introduce Global Warming’s Six Americas to your students with this text.

Background

Through national survey data, YPCCC has identified Global Warming’s Six Americas: six unique audiences within the American public that each responds to the issue of climate change in their own distinct way. 

The Alarmed are fully convinced of the reality and seriousness of climate change and are already taking individual, consumer, or political action to address it. The Concerned are also convinced that global warming is happening and is a serious problem, but have not yet engaged the issue personally.

Three other Americas – the Cautious, the Disengaged, and the Doubtful – represent different stages of understanding and acceptance of the problem, and none are actively involved. The final America – the Dismissive are very sure it is not happening and oppose efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to identifying the Six Americas, YPCCC has created a 4-question multiple choice survey that will tell you which of the Six Americas you are in. This survey is called the Six Americas Super Short SurveY (SASSY).

While this is not an activity per se, it is a useful introductory text for students to learn about the Six Americas. Check out the Educator Page for suggestions on how to use this text with your students.

 

Goals and Standards:

  1. Articulate differences in public perceptions of climate change through the Six Americas framework.
  2. Begin to think about how to communicate effectively about climate change to each of the Six Americas audiences.
Common Core ELA Standards: RI.6.2,