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What do Americans Think about Global Warming?
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Americans are a special breed of their own with an abundance of flaws and good qualities. Many view Americans to be living in a type of la-la-land – where their resources are superior to the rest of the world, and a country where being able to buy the newest iPhone means you are more successful than your peers.
On the flip side, as an American living abroad, it can be said that there is one indispensable quality to be had of almost all Americans – our diligence and worth ethic remains unmatched to many countries in the world.
However, given the popular perception of most Americans around the world, many believe that Americans are oblivious to the impacts of global warming – but is that really the case?
💡 According to a study by Yale, a whopping 72% of Americans believe climate change is happening and 61% believe it is affecting the weather across the climate-diverse country.
As global climate change, warming temperatures, and extreme weather events persist – such as the recent hurricanes in the southeast, extreme heat, sea level rise, and the controversial 2024 presidential election – climate resilience in the United States is a major topic of discussion.
What do Americans think about global warming, how has the U.S. made an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability across the country, and how do Americans make the effort to fight global warming on a daily basis?
What do most countries think about Americans?
Being American used to be a subject of envy for most: encapsulated by the T.V. shows and singers that originated from the United States – but as of recently, many cultures have begun to question their fascination for Americans and their culture in the first place.
💡As the United States continues to emit massive amounts of carbon dioxide despite the climate risks delineated in the Fifth National Climate Assessment, other nations around the world are starting to question if Americans are aware of their impacts of climate change.
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Breakdown of Americans & climate change
Many countries cannot understand how Americans can have so much opportunity, but fail to use their resources for greater causes such as global warming – with major celebrities in the U.S. using their paychecks to pollute the planet even more with their private jets or fail to find ways to make their concerts more sustainable.
Most people who aren’t American, or haven’t met Americans personally, also tend to categorize Americans and forget how massive the country and its population is – totaling at almost 335 million people. In other words, not all Americans are the same – with opinions varying depending on which political party they belong to or where in the U.S. they live. The values of someone from New York City are likely to differ from someone who lives in the middle of Texas, and neither are good or bad – just different, as the United States is a melting pot of different cultures and ideas.
“ Ultimately, the discrepancies in how heat waves, relative sea level rise, and global average temperatures impact human health across the United States make the nation's view on the changing climate anything but unified. ”
Some of the most hated qualities of Americans include their constant desire to work, negating the importance of vacation time or pursuing hobbies, the expensive education system Americans remain in debt for years after receiving their degree, and the American healthcare system.
👉 However, this being said, there are assets that many cultures continue to admire about Americans: such as the continuous technological advances made by the country, the media produced by Americans (think Taylor Swift’s music and all those Netflix movies watched around the world), and the military system many Americans continue to support and respect.
How has the U.S. and Americans tackled global warming?
In recent years, the United States has upped its game in fighting against climate change with new environmental legislation in states like California and New York to facilitate the transition to a clean energy economy – as well as the Biden administration passing the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to incentivize Americans to pick the more sustainable or energy efficient option when shopping for new appliances or vehicles.
Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.
On the government side of things, the U.S. is starting to require companies to comply with more stringent transparent measures to ensure that greenwashing doesn’t happen – such as with the new SEC climate disclosure rule that will require all public companies to share their emissions data, climate related risks, and their future plans to combat greenhouse gas emissions and climate change as a whole.
💡 The U.S. has also made great strides with their Clean Air Act to help improve the Air Quality Index, Montreal Protocol, and the Endangered Species Act. In addition to this, the U.S. has been a part of the Paris Climate Agreement to help encourage reducing greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale.
How do Americans feel about all of these newfound efforts to fight against climate change and promote sustainability?
Do most Americans value fighting against global warming?
Unbeknownst to most, especially those who already don’t perceive Americans well – the majority of Americans view global warming as a pressing issue that needs to be addressed immediately and effectively, with a whopping
💡 In fact, almost 70% percent of Americans want the U.S. to continue taking steps towards carbon neutrality, with the same number of Americans believing that making use of renewable energy sources is pivotal and more imperative than seeking new fossil fuel projects or encouraging the production of other finite resources.
Contrary to what many think, both major political parties are supportive of fighting against climate change – with 90% percent of Democrats supporting the efforts to become more sustainable and reduce overall emissions produced by the country, and with 44% percent of Republicans feeling the same way towards global warming.
Here are some more statistics on how Americans feel about climate change:
- If you were in a room with 6 Americans, 5 of those Americans would believe that climate change is happening – and only 1 would argue that it isn't;
- 49% of Americans are sure climate change is happening, whereas only 8% are unsure;
- 46% of Americans feel that climate change is affecting their everyday lives;
- As many as 10% of Americans, or over 30 million people, have thought of moving to avoid natural disasters caused by climate change;
- 71% of Americans believe that climate change will harm plant and animal species;
- Nearly one third of Americans, 29%, believe that climate change is occurring as a result of natural processes;
- 74% of Americans are concerned with air pollution, 70% extreme heat, 67% water pollution, 63% droughts, 52% wildfires, 56% tornadoes, and 39% hurricanes;
- Only 58% of Americans believe that climate change is caused by humans, despite the most recent IPCC report stating that the biggest reason for rising world-wide emissions is a direct result of increased human activity.
👉 However, despite the overwhelming consensus that Americans do indeed care about addressing climate change – the extent to which Americans care greatly depends on which political party they belong to: as Republicans are more likely to compromise on a potentially negative environmental business proposition if it means stimulating the economy, whereas Democrats tend to prioritize the planet. In addition to this, younger generations such as Millennials and those in Generation Z are more likely to be concerned about climate change than older generations.
“ The opinion of climate change from the perspective of Americans is subject to be influenced by various things such as scientific discoveries, how climate change is presented in the media, news coverage of natural disasters, or public statements from well-known political figures or celebrities. ”
What are some things that Americans do that show they aren’t concerned about global warming?
Despite the fact that the majority of studies show that Americans do care about climate change, Americans are also known to have a few infamous habits that could come off to the rest of the world as being ignorant about global warming – despite having access to information on climate change such as via the Global Change Research Program.
For instance, Americans have lifestyles that result in a large carbon footprint – such as driving big vehicles, needing to travel by plane to get around the United States, or living in big houses that require a lot of energy to power.
💡 In the United States, everything is bigger and better – but when it comes to rising global temperatures, bigger and better doesn’t help the cause.
Excessive use of finite energy sources
The U.S. also has an odd dependency on fossil fuels, with even the most recent debt ceiling deal somehow persuading the Biden administration to follow through with a new fossil fuel pipeline project. Despite the country’s ability to make use of renewable energy sources, Americans still often opt for gasoline powered cars and finite energy sources – even as Biden implores Americans to choose energy efficient options.
Some Americans go to the extent of disregarding scientific studies that prove climate change is real, and is getting worse as human activities and mass production continue at full-speed ahead. In fact, even long-time American senators are often able to convince Americans otherwise.
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“ Americans are also often accused of not having a government that is worried enough about the ongoing and future effects of climate change, and there not being enough engagement to encourage Americans to take action towards a brighter future – such as the fact that many Americans view voting in the next presidential election as “pointless” as their vote “may not make a difference” in the midst of over 300 million other Americans casting their ballots. ”
👉 Ultimately, most Americans live a lifestyle that is not conducive to fighting against climate change. Countries like Spain and Italy are used to leaving their clothes hanging outside to dry, whereas Americans will lose their minds if they don’t have an in-unit washer and dryer. This is one of the many examples of how a higher standard of living, such as demonstrated by Americans, may not come off as the most eco-friendly.
Will Trump's presidency influence how Americans feel about climate change?
While Trump may not be able to convince all Americans that the economy takes precedent over climate change, it is likely that the divide regarding Americans' opinion on climate change will get stronger under his presidency – as Republicans will rejoice priority over the economy while Democrats will grow more frustrated.
“ There are some reasons to believe that despite Trump's influence and opinions on climate change, that Americans will grow more concerned about the impacts of climate change in the coming years. ”
Here are just a few reasons why rising temperatures could cause Americans to become increasingly worried about climate change:
- Impacted Coastal Communities – Towns alongside the Gulf of Mexico and more are profoundly affected by climate change, with some of these cities being some of the most beloved tourist destinations and residential places in the country alike – such as Miami, Nantucket, the Hampton's, and more.
- Global Sea Level Rise – Rising sea levels could impact properties alongside beach cities such as Miami, and ultimately harm the housing market – which could cause Americans to realize the impact of their activities on climate change, especially as it has already become increasingly difficult to buy a home in the country.
- Melting Sea Ice – As glaciers around the world continue to melt, American business owners of ski resorts or other snowy destinations could grow concerned that climate change could have an impact during peak-season of tourism – in addition to the scare freshwater resources.
- Human Induced Climate Change – The increase in travel post-pandemic, weather related disasters, and more could elicit Americans to re-think their actions as intense climate-change induced events such as hurricanes, wildfires, and droughts continue.
- Home & Health Insurance – Americans will not like the increase in price, supply & demand, how climate risks will cost them more amidst the climate crisis
👉 Overall, the Trump administration is set to implement economic tactics which will only exacerbate the current issues caused by climate change – which could spur even worse natural disasters and heat waves that could cause Americans to rethink global emissions and what causes these climate disasters.
The table below will depict some of the ways Trump's presidency will impact both nationwide and global efforts to reduce climate change:
| Category | Impacts |
|---|---|
| Nationwide Climate Policies |
- Possible rollback of emissions standards. - Increased support for fossil fuel industries. - Reduced federal funding for renewable energy projects. - Challenges to environmental regulations like the Clean Power Plan. |
| Global Climate Agreements |
- Potential withdrawal from or weakening of U.S. commitments to the Paris Agreement. - Decreased leadership in international climate negotiations. - Negative ripple effects on global cooperation efforts. |
| Environmental Conservation |
- Reduced protection for federal lands and endangered species. - Expansion of oil drilling and mining operations in sensitive areas. |
| Economic Impact |
- Boost to fossil fuel jobs, but possible long-term costs from ignoring climate risks. - Loss of global competitiveness in renewable energy markets. |
How could Americans change their lifestyles to fight global warming without giving up classic American values?
Much of the difficulty of Americans seeking to fight against global warming or becoming more sustainable is that it goes against much of the inherent values of the United States: such as mass consumption, opting for convenient single us plastics, and throwing massive parties for holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, the 4th of July, and Christmas – all of which create a substantial carbon footprint.
💡Think about it: American candies, fast fashion, and constantly upgrading to the newest iPhone are all present in American culture – and all are bad for the environment.
“ Given the United States and Americans are built around mass production and consumerism, it is easy to understand why it’s difficult for Americans to change their ways to be more sustainable and eco-friendly. ”
How can Americans combat climate change?
Luckily, not all hope is lost. There are definitely a few things that Americans can do to alter their lifestyles to be more environmentally friendly without giving up on their classic American lifestyle.
Reduce transportation emissions
For instance, Americans could opt to purchase green cars to keep the beloved tradition of Americans to do a cross-country road trip without polluting the planet with greenhouse gas emissions. Not only will this help to lessen the environmental impact created by Americans (where 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. are due to transportation – but Americans will be subject to a tax reduction in line with the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Mitigate waste
Another big part of the lifestyle of Americans is excessive waste, such as wrapping gifts of the holiday season where a lot of paper and packaging materials end up getting thrown away instead of recycled. Therefore, Americans could benefit from choosing sustainable packaging when gifting presents – especially during the holiday season. Americans are also big on online orders and deliveries, so major American shopping retailers and meal kit delivery services would benefit from seeking to sustainably packaging their products as well.
Alter the traditional "SAD" American diet
Lastly, Americans could help to reduce their carbon footprint by opting for a vegan meal every once in a while. Vegan options in the U.S. are abundant and often cooked so you can’t even realize you’re not eating meat.
Overall, Americans aren’t as oblivious or indifferent about climate change as you might think – but they also have a long way to go to be considered the most sustainable culture in the world.
What about Greenly?
If reading this article about what Americans think about global warming has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!
It can be hard to keep track of all of the news happening around the world, such as what Americans think about climate change – but don’t worry, Greenly is here to keep you up to date on all of the latest climate news.
Greenly can help you make an environmental change for the better, starting with a carbon footprint assessment to know how much carbon emissions your company produces.
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