Pew Research Center conducted a survey of 9,593 U.S. adults between October 21–27, 2024. The aim was to assess public views on climate change, its perceived impact, support for climate policies, emotional responses, and the perceived role of various actors.
Key findings:
Mixed views on the economic impact of climate policies
U.S. adults are equally likely to say that policies to reduce climate change generally help (34 %) or hurt (34 %) the economy, while 30 % believe they make no difference.
Widespread support for climate-related policies
Large majorities favor:
- Tax credits for Americans who improve home energy efficiency (83 %)
- Tax credits for businesses developing carbon capture technologies (79 %)
- Requiring oil and gas companies to seal methane leaks (84 %)
- Planting about a trillion trees to absorb carbon (89 %)
- Taxing corporations based on carbon emissions (68 %)
- Requiring power plants to eliminate all carbon emissions by 2040 (61 %)
Emotional responses to climate news
Common reactions include:
- Frustration over political disagreement (80 %)
- Sadness about the state of the Earth (73 %)
- Anxiety about the future (56 %)
- Confusion caused by the volume of information (48 %)
- Feeling suspicious of those pushing for climate action (51 %)
- Only 45 % feel optimistic about addressing climate change
Perceptions of local impact
- 64 % believe climate change is affecting their local community at least somewhat
- Among Democrats, 86 % say this; among Republicans, 41 %
Anticipated personal sacrifices
- 75 % expect minor or major lifestyle sacrifices due to climate change
- Only 23 % foresee major sacrifices
- Younger adults (18–29) are more likely (30 %) than those 65+ (15 %) to expect major sacrifices
- Among Democrats, 89 % anticipate some sacrifice (32 % major); among Republicans, 60 % anticipate some, with just 14 % expecting major
Views on responsibility of various actors
- 69 % say large businesses and corporations are doing too little
- 60 % say the same of state elected officials; 57 % about the energy industry; 57 % about ordinary Americans
- When it comes to themselves: 52 % say they are doing the right amount; 42 % say too little; 5 % say too much
- Democrats are notably more likely than Republicans to say each actor is doing too little
Policy priorities and values
Regarding considerations in climate policy decisions:
- 67 % say protecting the environment for future generations is very important
- 59 % say keeping consumer costs low is very important
- 53 % prioritize increasing job and economic growth
- Other factors—such as aiding low-income communities and achieving net-zero emissions—are rated as less important
Republican and Democratic priorities differ:
- Republicans place highest importance on keeping consumer costs low (67 %) and economic growth (55 %), with 52 % citing environmental protection
- For Democrats, environmental protection leads (83 %), with significant support also for aiding low-income communities
Perceived environmental vs. economic impact
- 34 % say climate policies help the economy; 34 % say they hurt it; 30 % say no difference
- 51 % believe climate policies do more environmental good than harm; 18 % say more harm; 29 % say no difference
- Democrats are more likely than Republicans to view climate policies as beneficial both economically and environmentally; Republicans are more skeptical
Beliefs about human contribution to climate change
- 45 % believe human activity contributes “a great deal” to climate change; 29 % say some
- Partisan split: 70 % of Democrats say “a great deal”; only 20 % of Republicans say the same; many Republicans attribute greater influence to natural patterns
Methodology & acknowledgments
- Conducted via the American Trends Panel: 9,593 respondents from 10,612 sampled (90 % response rate)
- Data are weighted for representativeness by demographics and political affiliation
- Report authored by Brian Kennedy and Alec Tyson, with contributions from the Center’s Science and Society and methodology teams
Reference: Survey — How Americans View Climate Change and Policies to Address the Issue
