Climate Change Concerns Rising Among Americans

New survey data from Yale University shows that the majority of Americans—72 percent—now believe that climate change is real. But people of different political stripes agree on little beyond that, report Denise Chow and Chase Cain for NBC News.

According to the survey, the perception of risk is rising steadily, even in the most conservative-leaning states. However, “While there is scientific consensus that human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, are the main driver of climate change, only 58% percent of Americans across the country echoed that conclusion.”

Although opinion remains divided on how to respond, support for climate-friendly policies also grew overall, even in typically hands-off states like Idaho. “Though there can be deep divisions between Democrats and Republicans on climate change, research suggests that global warming is on people’s minds regardless of their party affiliation.”