Climate Change in the American Mind: December 2020


Report Summary

Our latest national survey finds Americans who think global warming is happening outnumber those who think it is not by a ratio of more than 5 to 1 (72% versus 13%). Those who are “very” or “extremely” sure global warming is happening outnumber those who are “very” or “extremely” sure it is not by more than 8 to 1 (50% versus 6%). The report includes many other interesting findings, including how often Americans hear and talk about global warming.

This report is based on findings from a nationally representative survey – Climate Change in the American Mind – conducted by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (climatecommunication.yale.edu) and the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication (climatechangecommunication.org). Interview dates: December 3 – 16, 2020. Interviews: 1,036 Adults (18+). Average margin of error +/- 3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.