As the United States continues to experience extreme weather events and record heat, Americans remain deeply divided on the impact of climate change policies, a new Pew Research Center report finds.
The survey, conducted in October with over 9,500 adults, reveals that 34% of Americans believe policies aimed at reducing climate change benefit the economy, while an equal share believe these policies hurt it. The division is stark along political lines: 56% of Republicans say climate policies harm the economy, whereas 52% of Democrats say they help.
Amid these differences, 69% of Americans agree that large businesses and corporations are not doing enough to combat climate change. Similarly, 60% feel state-elected officials fall short in addressing the issue. Even ordinary Americans come under scrutiny, with 57% saying citizens themselves aren’t doing enough.
Support for specific climate initiatives remains high, however. Tax credits for improving home energy efficiency receive widespread approval (83%), as does support for businesses developing carbon capture technology (79%). Interestingly, these policies enjoy bipartisan backing.
Yet climate news elicits strong emotions. Eight-in-ten Americans say political disagreements over climate change frustrate them, while 73% report sadness about environmental degradation. Republicans are more likely to feel skeptical toward those advocating for climate action, with 75% expressing suspicion, compared to 34% of Democrats.
Partisan divides extend to perceptions of climate change’s local impact. While 86% of Democrats say climate change affects their communities, only 41% of Republicans share this view.
Despite these divisions, most Americans anticipate making lifestyle adjustments due to climate change. Three-quarters expect at least minor sacrifices, though only 23% foresee major changes. Younger generations, particularly those aged 18-29, are more likely to believe significant sacrifices are imminent.
As climate policy continues to shape public debate, the question of economic impact remains a flashpoint, underscoring the challenge of achieving broad consensus on one of the nation’s most pressing issues.
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