Majority of US voters link extreme weather to climate crisis, study finds
A new poll reveals 61% of US voters believe extreme weather has become more frequent in the past five years, and 88% support heat protections for workers.
A survey by progressive polling firm Data for Progress, shared exclusively with The Guardian, found that 61% of likely US voters believe extreme weather events have become more frequent over the past five years. This includes 72% of Democrats, 63% of Independents, and nearly half – 46% – of Republicans.
The poll also asked participants about specific forms of extreme weather and whether they are worsened by climate change. Majorities linked climate change to worsening wildfires (64%), droughts (63%), flooding (62%), hurricanes (59%), and severe thunderstorms with hail (59%). Heatwaves topped the list, with 67% saying climate change makes them worse, including 48% of Republicans – the highest share for any weather event surveyed.
Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, said the findings are consistent with previous research. However, senior research scientist Jennifer Marlon noted that many Americans still misunderstand the cause – 27% believe the changes are mostly natural.
Another key finding: 88% of respondents support policies requiring employers to provide heat protections such as drinking water, shade, breaks, and air conditioning. Only 7% oppose. Jessica E. Martinez, executive director of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, said this broad bipartisan support sends a powerful message that protecting workers from heat is not a partisan issue.
Grace Adcox, a senior climate strategist at Data for Progress, said the data could help frame future climate conversations, especially using heatwaves as an entry point, since they affect a wide swath of the population.
