{"id":104201,"date":"2023-08-09T15:56:22","date_gmt":"2023-08-09T20:56:22","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-04-23T23:19:53","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T03:19:53","slug":"why-some-americans-do-not-see-urgency-on-climate-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2023\/08\/09\/why-some-americans-do-not-see-urgency-on-climate-change\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Some Americans Do Not See Urgency on Climate Change"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-prc-block-subtitle\" aria-level=\"2\">In-depth interviews find some Americans consider crisis language overblown, leading to added skepticism of claims<\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-640-wide\"><img decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_FEATURED-jpg.webp?w=640\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4554\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An immersive exhibit at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C., uses visualizations to show how Earth is changing. (Stefani Reynolds\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div style=\"border-width:1px;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);--block-gap: inherit\" class=\"wp-block-prc-block-collapsible has-background has-ui-beige-very-light-background-color has-border-color has-ui-beige-dark-border-color\" id=\"how-we-did-this\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/collapsible&quot;}\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;collapsibleId&quot;:&quot;how-we-did-this&quot;,&quot;isOpen&quot;:false}\" data-wp-class--is-open=\"context.isOpen\" data-wp-init--scroll-into-view=\"callbacks.onInitScrollIntoView\"><div class=\"wp-block-prc-block-collapsible__title\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.onClick\"><div>How we did this<\/div><button class=\"wp-block-prc-block-collapsible__icon\"><span data-wp-bind--hidden=\"context.isOpen\"><i class=\"icon icon-library__light icon__circle-plus\"><svg style=\"width: 1em; height: 1em;\"><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/plugins\/prc-icon-library\/build\/icons\/sprites\/light.svg#circle-plus\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i><\/span><span data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!context.isOpen\" hidden><i class=\"icon icon-library__light icon__circle-minus\"><svg style=\"width: 1em; height: 1em;\"><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/plugins\/prc-icon-library\/build\/icons\/sprites\/light.svg#circle-minus\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-prc-block-collapsible__content\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pew Research Center conducted this study to better understand the perspectives of Americans who put lower priority on taking action to address climate change and who see a limited role for human activity as a reason for the Earth warming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Center completed in-depth interviews with 32 U.S. adults to discuss their views about climate change, extreme weather and environmental problems. The interviews were conducted online by Sago, a market research firm, between May 15 and 26, 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interviews were conducted with people who said that addressing climate change is not a top priority for the country and who did <em>not<\/em> see human activity as the primary reason the Earth is getting warmer, including some who said there was no evidence that the Earth is warming. Interviews included adults living in five geographic regions in the United States: the Midwest, Mountain West, Southwest, South and Coastal Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is the <a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_GUIDE.pdf\">interviewer guide<\/a> used for the in-depth interviews, and more on <a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2023\/08\/09\/climate-change-interviews-methodology\/\">its methodology<\/a>. Quotations featured in this report have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A companion report, \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2023\/06\/28\/majorities-of-americans-prioritize-renewable-energy-back-steps-to-address-climate-change\/\">Majorities of Americans Prioritize Renewable Energy, Back Steps to Address Climate Change<\/a>,\u201d analyzed public opinion on climate, energy and environmental issues based on a survey of 10,329 U.S. adults from May 30 to June 4, 2023.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the Earth\u2019s temperature <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/press-release\/nasa-says-2022-fifth-warmest-year-on-record-warming-trend-continues\">continues to rise, fueling more intense storms<\/a> and extreme weather, scientists are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipcc.ch\/2023\/03\/20\/press-release-ar6-synthesis-report\/\">calling for immediate action to address climate change<\/a>. However, climate change remains a lower priority for some Americans, and a subset of the public rejects that it\u2019s happening at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To better understand the perspectives of those who see less urgency to address climate change, Pew Research Center conducted in-depth interviews with 32 U.S. adults who hold this view, including some who do not believe there\u2019s evidence that the Earth is warming. Unlike much of our work on climate change, these interviews are not representative of all U.S. adults; rather, they are designed to provide deeper insight into the motivations and views of those most skeptical about climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The interviews revealed that language describing climate change as a crisis and an urgent threat was met with suspicion by many participants. The disconnect between crisis rhetoric and the participants\u2019 own beliefs and experiences drove doubt about the motivations of the people making these claims, sowing suspicion and deeper mistrust. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interviewees widely rejected the national news media as a credible source for climate information. They see these outlets as presenting information that suits their own agendas. Interviewees generally expressed greater openness toward hearing from scientists on climate change because of their subject matter expertise. Still, participants stressed the importance of hearing factual statements from scientists rather than beliefs that may be shaped by their own political leanings or their research funders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On policy, interviewees were open to government efforts to improve environmental quality, including air and water quality \u2013 especially when these efforts were at the local level. The conversations underscore areas of common ground around environmental protection, regardless of Americans\u2019 level of concern about climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to measures aimed at transitioning the country toward renewable energy, interviewees stressed the importance of respecting individual freedoms \u2013 and individual choice \u2013 in any energy transition. This theme was underscored by criticism of policies like ending the production of new gas-powered vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-420-wide\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-121467\" href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2023\/08\/09\/why-some-americans-do-not-see-urgency-on-climate-change\/ps_2023-08-09_climate-change_00-01-png\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"eaebeb\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #eaebeb;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_00-01.png?resize=480,344 480w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_00-01.png?resize=782,560 782w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_00-01.png?resize=840,602 840w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" height=\"301\" width=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_00-01.png?w=420\" alt=\"Chart shows 14% of Americans say there is no solid evidence that climate change is happening\" class=\"wp-image-121467 not-transparent\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nationally representative Pew Research Center surveys show that fewer than half of all Americans reject that humans are major contributors to climate change or say addressing the issue is not too important for the country. Even smaller shares take the most skeptical views and say the Earth is not warming at all and that no action should be taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overall, 46% of Americans say human activity is the primary reason why the Earth is warming. By contrast, 26% say warming is mostly caused by natural patterns in the environment and another 14% do not believe there\u2019s evidence the Earth is warming at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to policy action, 37% of Americans think addressing climate change should be a <a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/short-reads\/2023\/04\/18\/for-earth-day-key-facts-about-americans-views-of-climate-change-and-renewable-energy\/\">top priority for the president and Congress<\/a>, and another 34% say it is an important but lower priority. By contrast, about three-in-ten say action on climate change is not too important (17%) or should not be done (11%). Republicans are much less likely than Democrats to prioritize climate action, though individuals who are skeptical about addressing climate change are seen within both party coalitions and across demographic groups. (<a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/short-reads\/2023\/04\/18\/for-earth-day-key-facts-about-americans-views-of-climate-change-and-renewable-energy\/\">Read this post<\/a> for a roundup of survey data on how Americans feel about climate change.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In-depth interviews with adults who view climate change as a lower priority and do not think the Earth is getting warmer primarily due to human activity were conducted virtually in May 2023 across five geographic areas: the Midwest, Mountain West, South, Southwest and Coastal Florida. Participants were selected based on their views on climate change and to ensure a broad mix of interviewees across characteristics including party, ideology, gender and education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The analysis of these 32 interviews is designed to highlight common themes that emerged across conversations. The analysis and quotations are meant to offer a deeper exploration of the \u201cwhy\u201d behind the views and beliefs of those who see climate action as a lower priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The major themes across these interviews include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"perceptions-of-climate-change-as-part-of-the-earth-s-natural-cycles-and-strong-skepticism-toward-claims-of-crisis\">Perceptions of climate change as part of the Earth\u2019s natural cycles and strong skepticism toward claims of crisis<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignright is-style-callout is-style-300-wide has-beige-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"explanations-for-climate-change-and-extreme-weather-as-natural-patterns-over-time\">Explanations for climate change and extreme weather as natural patterns over time<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI do believe [the climate] is changing, but I believe it is changing in a natural cycle that happens all the time. What I don\u2019t believe is that humans are 100% responsible for climate change.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 50s, Mountain West<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think that [extreme weather events] are not happening more. I think people know about them more. We know about a tsunami that happened across the world, whereas 50 years ago we never even heard of it. It may seem like things are happening more and more, but I think that just that\u2019s the cycle of life, the cycle of Earth. And if they are happening a little more, then that is just the cyclical part of what\u2019s going on with the planet.\u201d <\/em>\u2013Man, 50s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A common explanation across interviews was that any changes to Earth\u2019s climate are a natural part of the planet\u2019s cycles that humans cannot control. Extreme weather was explained in a similar way, with many saying these events are natural occurrences that have not become more frequent and severe because of climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most of the 32 interviewees perceived claims of a climate crisis as exaggerated, and they connected this sense of overblown rhetoric with a need for increased scrutiny toward such claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Climate change is seen as part of Earth\u2019s natural cycles and humans play a small role.<\/strong> Most of the 32 interviewees were in agreement that the Earth\u2019s climate is changing, but they typically explained these changes as part of natural patterns over time, with humans described as having little control over these changes. Two interviewees expressed extreme skepticism, calling climate change a \u201choax.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extreme weather is seen as a part of life and not happening more often<\/strong><strong><em>.<\/em><\/strong> Many interviewees said that extreme weather events are natural occurrences and did not draw a connection between their intensity or frequency and climate change. Some participants added that people are just hearing more about these events than in the past because of the availability of information, but they are not becoming more common.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 id=\"suspicion-around-claims-that-action-on-climate-change-is-urgent\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Suspicion around claims that action on climate change is urgent<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most common frustrations participants raised is the way that people talk about climate change as a crisis that requires immediate action. Many said that when they hear these arguments, they react with disbelief and increased scrutiny of the motives behind such statements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As one participant put it: \u201c<em>People who are alarmist tend to want really drastic policies that seem to not make sense, so it kind of makes me disbelieve the other things they\u2019re saying.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 20s, Midwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another said:<em> \u201cFrom a personal standpoint, whether it\u2019s the climate or anything else, when the statements are too large &#8230; like when the statements are, \u2018The world is getting warmer and Earth is going to be ended in five years because we\u2019re all terrible humans and we throw trash on the ground.\u2019 Those things cause me to be, instead of causing me to be concerned, it causes me to be more skeptical about where the information is coming from and why it\u2019s being presented in such a grandiose term, for lack of a better word.\u201d<\/em><br \/>\u2013Woman, 30s, Midwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"climate-scientists-are-valued-for-their-expertise-but-also-seen-as-potentially-having-an-agenda-media-outlets-are-not-trusted-sources-of-climate-information\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Climate scientists are valued for their expertise, but also seen as potentially having an agenda; media outlets are not trusted sources of climate information<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Participants expressed trust in climate scientists while also considering that some might have personal biases. The openness to hearing from scientists on this issue was in contrast to their views of media outlets. Most interviewees said that the news media cannot be trusted for information about climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Open to information from climate scientists<\/strong><strong><em>.<\/em><\/strong> Many participants wanted to hear more from climate scientists because of their expertise. Yet some of the same participants also said they don\u2019t have full trust in scientists because of uncertainty about their financial motivations and personal biases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think that scientists, if they worked hard for their degree, it\u2019s good to listen to them. I do always wonder, with anybody \u2013 anybody \u2013 if they have an agenda. It\u2019s looking into maybe where their education is, what groups or environmental groups are they a part of. What is their main focus? And then, is there an agenda behind what they\u2019re saying?\u201d <\/em>\u2013Woman, 40s, Mountain West<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Widespread distrust in traditional media outlets.<\/strong> Most of the 32 interviewees were reluctant to put full faith in information from national media outlets. Many said that media sources each have their own agenda and thus cannot be trusted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cNetworks and radio and newspapers and television, they\u2019re all getting paid to tell me something. And if they don\u2019t have my attention then they\u2019re not getting paid. So they\u2019ll do whatever they need to get my attention. So they will stretch things. I\u2019m sure that in the past, they\u2019ve made up stories or, or, you know, make you try to feel something that\u2019s not necessarily important or whatnot. It\u2019s all about ratings and, you know, getting people to watch.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 40s, South<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"views-of-renewable-energy-sources-and-electric-vehicles\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Views of renewable energy sources and electric vehicles<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interviewees expressed some support for using more renewable energy, alongside concerns about the pace and practicality of this transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As one participant explained: <em>\u201cI think we\u2019re so reliant on carbon-based fuels for our economy and the way we live. We have to cripple ourselves to switch over. It would have to take 40, 50 years reasonably to do that, so if we\u2019re going to ban gas cars by 2035, I think it [is] too excessive.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 20s, Midwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Participants shared hesitations about increased use of electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a renewable energy transition. Some questioned whether EVs harmed the environment: <em>\u201cI think that with everything that\u2019s in place over the last five years \u2013 and there\u2019s good and bad, so all these people again, no one\u2019s addressing the electric car in the energy and the minerals it depletes from the Earth. That\u2019s an environmental issue.\u201d <\/em>\u2013Man, 50s, Southwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And some saw logistical challenges with EVs, such as many people lacking space at home to charge: <em>\u201cIt\u2019s not practical for everyone to purchase a Tesla or be able to have the ability to plug in a car at their home or to, quite frankly, pay to charge up a car and have an additional expense or additional changes to their lifestyle that is always productive or applicable.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Woman, 30s, Midwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"support-for-governmental-policies-as-long-as-they-dont-infringe-on-individual-rights-personal-efforts-to-protect-the-environment-through-recycling-reuse\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Support for governmental policies as long as they don\u2019t infringe on individual rights; personal efforts to protect the environment through recycling, reuse<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While interviewees saw less urgency on climate change action, they expressed an openness to government efforts to help the environment and preserve natural lands and waterways, especially when these actions were at the state and local level. They also supported individual action in areas such as recycling and limiting waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Government\u2019s role is to help protect the environment without restricting individual freedoms<em>.<\/em> <\/strong>While there was little support among participants for government action connected explicitly with climate change, some were open to efforts in related areas, such as encouraging renewable energy use and environmental protection. But participants stressed that any government action should not limit individuals\u2019 freedoms and people should not be forced to change. More broadly, interviewees stated that a transition away from fossil fuels must be gradual, citing concerns about economic problems if such a transition happened too quickly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think the best way to protect the environment is just educating people on what steps we can take that aren\u2019t extreme, meaning don\u2019t ban gas combustion vehicles. Don\u2019t ban gas stoves. Give people the information. Let them decide what they want to do. But when you start to force things upon people, that\u2019s when people become skeptical. It\u2019s like, why are they forcing something on to us? Why are they changing laws?\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 40s, Southwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The role of ordinary citizens is to recycle and not be wasteful.<\/strong> With doubts about the urgency of climate change, few participants saw a need for direct personal action on the issue. However, many saw value in individual efforts to help protect the environment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cAnd it is so very important that we take care of our planet. Let\u2019s not litter. Let\u2019s have good clean water. Let\u2019s not do anything that\u2019s going to hurt our planet that we live in. And so that\u2019s what I feel about everybody\u2019s duty, to take care of \u2013 everybody takes care of their own little piece, and I think it\u2019s going to be fine.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 50s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;explain-the-Earth\\u2019s-climate&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"explain-the-Earth\u2019s-climate\">How do people who feel less urgency on climate change explain the Earth\u2019s climate?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we talked with people about their views of climate change, most of the 32 interviewees explained that the Earth is warming mostly because of natural cycles of the environment, not human activity. Participants often supported their view by pointing to the planet\u2019s history of warming and cooling as evidence of these natural cycles happening now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The emphasis on natural cycles was cited as a reason why humans have a limited role in affecting climate change. A few interviewees were skeptical of whether climate change is happening at all, with the two most skeptical interviewees saying that climate change is a hoax used only for political gains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interviewees offered similar explanations for extreme weather as they did for climate change. These events were often seen as a natural part of the Earth\u2019s climate system and not something that has become more frequent or more severe because of climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"belief-that-climate-change-is-due-to-earths-natural-cycles-with-limited-effects-from-human-activity-and-development\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Belief that climate change is due to Earth\u2019s natural cycles, with limited effects from human activity and development<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A common view among interviewees was that changes in the Earth\u2019s climate are due to natural patterns that the Earth has always experienced. Those with this view often said that the climate is changing but pointed to evidence of planetary cycles as proof that any current climate change is natural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cIt\u2019s my opinion, based on the science that I\u2019ve seen generated, if you go through and look at the studies of Earth, we go through these peaks and valleys of climate. We have since the Earth was created. Why are we not going through one of those peaks as we speak now? I haven\u2019t seen enough proof to deter me otherwise.\u201d <\/em>\u2013Man, 50s, Mountain West<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI believe it\u2019s cyclical. And the reason why I believe this is because there were record high temperatures more than 100 years ago that are higher than what we are having now. And this is going to come and go as time goes on \u2013 a.k.a. cyclical.\u201d <\/em>\u2013Woman, 50s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few interviewees pointed to their own experiences with weather as evidence of the Earth\u2019s natural cycles. As one woman put it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI just don\u2019t think that there\u2019s any evidence. I mean I don\u2019t see where anything has changed throughout my life. The summers aren\u2019t hotter. It\u2019s just not any different. \u2026 Show me where the changes are. I think that the planet goes through a continual cycle anyways. I don\u2019t think it\u2019s more drastic than any other change the planet\u2019s gone through.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Woman, 40s, Mountain West<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A common theme in these responses was that humans have played a small role, if any, in contributing to climate change. And because these changes are seen as natural, humans cannot prevent climate change. These explanations downplayed the role humans have on the climate and emphasized the patterns of warming and cooling that have happened throughout the planet\u2019s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cWhat I\u2019m skeptical on is what the source of the change is. I do believe it is changing, but I believe it is changing in a natural cycle that happens all the time. What I don\u2019t believe is that humans are 100% responsible for climate change and thus, humans are 100% able to fix the problem.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 50s, Mountain West<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think that there\u2019s climate change but I think this planet is, I don\u2019t know, how many millions if not billions of years old and that\u2019s just probably a cycle that it goes through. I think humans probably have a very, very minor part of it but it is also just things out of our control.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 40s, Southwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When asked whether society should take steps to address climate change, one interviewee emphasized that this issue is out of humans\u2019 control, saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cTake steps? No, because I don\u2019t really know what step they could take. I don\u2019t see anything that people, society can do to change the weather and change how the climate is going to react. I feel like that\u2019s all earthly and there\u2019s nothing that us, humans and society, can do to change that.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Woman, 30s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"extreme-weather-seen-as-part-of-natural-patterns\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Extreme weather seen as part of natural patterns<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/climate-indicators\/weather-climate\">linked to climate change<\/a>. Our past research has found that large majorities of Americans who have experienced extreme weather say that <a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2023\/06\/28\/2-how-americans-see-bidens-climate-policies\/ps_2023-06-14_climate-change_02_14\/\">climate change contributed at least a little<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In contrast to national opinion, most interviewees in these discussions did not see extreme weather as connected to climate change. Instead, participants explained extreme weather events in a similar way as climate change: These are natural events the Earth has always experienced. One man pointed to the history of extreme weather events happening as proof that they are not happening more frequently now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think we do have spikes where we have just a ridiculous number of hurricanes or drought or snowstorms. But I think if you look back through history, we\u2019ve had significant weather events since the dawn of time. So do they happen? Yes. Are we causing [them] to happen more frequently? No.\u201d <\/em>\u2013Man, 50s, Mountain West<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another man expressed a similar idea, explaining that because these events have always happened, he doesn\u2019t believe they are becoming more intense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think there\u2019s been extreme weather events since the beginning of time. \u2026 There\u2019s been hurricanes, tornados, all that. I just don\u2019t buy into the fact that they\u2019re getting worse\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 50s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interviewees tended to say that extreme weather events have not become more common due to climate change. Some said these events might seem like they are happening more frequently because of the availability of information, but that they are not actually more common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think it\u2019s about the same. I think people are a little bit more aware of things happening. If there\u2019s a freeze in Dallas, Texas, as an example, I can know about it within seconds. I just log into my anything and I can see breaking news. I just think it\u2019s been happening for so long that people now think that if it happens it\u2019s something rare.\u201d <\/em>\u2013Man, 40s, Southwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One man said that extreme weather is not becoming more frequent, pointing to the consistency of some events, like hurricanes, happening during certain seasons each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI\u2019m thinking with hurricanes, they always happen in the same kind of interval. I don\u2019t think it\u2019s gotten any quicker, and I haven\u2019t read any articles or information that convinces me that they\u2019re more common or it\u2019s linked to human-caused climate change.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 20s, Midwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"a-handful-see-no-evidence-the-earth-is-warming-and-consider-climate-change-a-hoax\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">A handful see no evidence the Earth is warming and consider climate change a hoax<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most skeptical interviewees (two out of 32) dismissed climate change as entirely false and explained the discussion of climate change as rooted in political motivations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cClimate change is a hoax. It\u2019s what politicians want people to believe. And if they want to do anything about it, in educating people, then truly put statistical, actual data together, and show how climate change and environmental changes have affected us as human beings.\u201d <\/em>\u2013Woman, 50s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think it\u2019s a hoax. I think it\u2019s a joke. I mean, I just think like I said, it\u2019s been politicized through the roof. I don\u2019t know. It\u2019s kind of funny when you think about it, that people are so ignorant and so gullible.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Woman, 40s, Mountain West<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;interpret-calls-to-action&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"interpret-calls-to-action\">How do people who see less urgency on climate change interpret calls to action?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many interviewees explained that hearing other people state the potentially catastrophic impacts of climate change caused them to be skeptical of whether climate change is actually something to be concerned about. For example, claims that climate change threatens human lives were often labeled as alarmist and seen as pushing an agenda. Participants were especially skeptical of the ways politicians could benefit if they frame climate change as a topic that must be addressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One approach aimed at motiving people to take action on climate change \u2013 describing it as a crisis and emphasizing its potentially catastrophic impacts \u2013 appears to be having the opposite effect on at least some parts of the population. Several interviewees said messages emphasizing the dire outcomes of climate change make them feel even more skeptical about the issue. Instead of motivating action, it sowed deeper distrust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The interviewees who expressed frustration with the way those urging action on climate change discuss the issue felt there are people who talk about climate change with a level of concern unsupported by evidence. One woman emphasized the uncertainty around future impacts of climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cWe don\u2019t know that there\u2019s going to be major climate change in the next few years or the next few months. It\u2019s kind of more of a guess, a hypothetical thing, so I feel like people are making a big deal out of it when really in all actuality no one knows what\u2019s going to happen long term. It\u2019s kind of just guessing and theories, but no one knows.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Woman, 30s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Others said their perception of hyperbole or exaggeration around climate claims lead them to take a more skeptical view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c<em>People who are alarmist tend to want really drastic policies that seem to not make sense, so it kind of makes me disbelieve the other things they\u2019re saying.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 20s, Midwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cFrom a personal standpoint, whether it\u2019s the climate or anything else, when the statements are too large &#8230; like when the statements are, \u2018The world is getting warmer and Earth is going to be ended in five years because we\u2019re all terrible humans and we throw trash on the ground.\u2019 Those things cause me to be, instead of causing me to be concerned, it causes me to be more skeptical about where the information is coming from and why it\u2019s being presented in such a grandiose term, for lack of a better word.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Woman, 30s, Midwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some acknowledged the Earth is warming, but still viewed the urgency and severity of some climate change messages as extreme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cAre we gradually getting warmer? Yes, but I don\u2019t think we\u2019re all going to die in 30 years. And also, some of the policies that we\u2019re trying to change within the next 10-15 years, it\u2019s not that drastic, I don\u2019t believe.\u201d <\/em>\u2013Man, 30s, South<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One man saw politicians pushing alarmist views and described a specific example of what he saw as an extreme view being untrue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI just was watching old footage from 2009 of John Kerry and other senators. They stated by 2014, which is 10 years ago \u2013 [by] 2013, 2014 that there would not be one polar icecap left in the world. Well, that\u2019s a lie and so I think that that\u2019s been forced down our throat. \u2026 I mean, the American people over time have been lied to.\u201d <\/em>\u2013Man, 50s, Southwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"some-suspect-elected-officials-advocacy-on-climate-change-is-motivated-by-political-or-financial-gain\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Some suspect elected officials\u2019 advocacy on climate change is motivated by political or financial gain<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some interviewees said elected officials push climate change as an important topic for their own political and financial benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think for political reasons it\u2019s probably made into a bigger reason than it isn\u2019t. \u2026 And then I also know that there\u2019s billions, if not more, of money to be made in that industry in those sectors when it comes to solar and energy efficiency and emissions and all of these different control factors. It makes sense to fight for something if you have the possibility to have your pocket in something that\u2019s a billion dollar industry, if not more.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 40s, Southwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another man expressed a similar idea and gave an example of climate change being used as a talking point to help candidates get elected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think that [politicians] have said that they have those extreme views to get popularity or financial gain from such things. \u2026 Next year we have a presidential election. I think that is going to be one key speaking point. Now, do I agree that it should be top two or three? No, but it is going to be pushed and that next selection is going to have a major role in what we do as a country to limit our contributions to global warming.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 30s, South<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;information-from-climate-scientists-and-news-media&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"information-from-climate-scientists-and-news-media\">How do people less concerned about climate change view information from climate scientists and news media?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Climate scientists have been at the center of discussions over evidence that the Earth is warming and projections about the future effects climate change could cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interviewees expressed respect for the expertise of climate scientists while also raising the need to scrutinize their motivations. Overall, participants were more open to hearing from climate scientists than news media \u2013 who they see as largely biased and untrustworthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those who saw climate scientists as trustworthy sources for climate change information mentioned their expertise and subject knowledge as reasons to trust them as a source. When asked how she would feel about scientists presenting information about climate change, one woman said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI would feel positive because I know they\u2019re specialists in it. They specialize in that, so, I would listen to them over just a normal person telling me something.\u201d <\/em>\u2013Woman, 40s, South<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, for many, trust in scientists was not absolute. One man said that he would listen to scientists about climate change as long as they were unbiased, emphasizing their value as experts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI\u2019d like to see reputable scientists or a group of scientists that are nonpolitical come out and be the sole voice of whatever it is. I\u2019ll take the good. I\u2019ll take the bad. I just don\u2019t want to hear people talk about it that are not experts in the field.\u201d <\/em>\u2013Man, 50s, Mountain West<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Others also expressed limits to their trust in climate scientists raising questions about their motivations. These questions focused on scientists\u2019 financial or political biases as reasons they do not fully trust them for information on climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI have a lot of confidence in a lot of scientists. My concern is when science is met with ideology. If you\u2019ve got somebody who is ideological one way or the other. Statistics can be changed. Science can be written to have the results you want because of your ideology. I have great confidence in science. I have less confidence in people who are driven by ideology. \u2026 It\u2019s just when people are trying to push an agenda. That\u2019s when I\u2019m skeptical.\u201d <\/em>\u2013Man, 50s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When asked how much confidence he has in scientists, one man said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cA fair amount of confidence. Absolute confidence? Probably not. A fair amount of confidence? Yes, because they are studying it. They are in the field. They know the data. But at the same point, they are human \u2026 they\u2019re going to be biased to whoever [is] funding their research. They don\u2019t want to bite the hand that feeds them and provide data that is going to contradict what the agency\u2019s trying to push out. I would say they have a fair amount of confidence, but you have to be, still, skeptical.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 30s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Analyses of scientific publications show <a href=\"https:\/\/iopscience.iop.org\/article\/10.1088\/1748-9326\/ac2966\">widespread agreement among climate scientists that human activity is the primary cause of climate change<\/a>. Yet some interviewees said they wanted to hear from a variety of scientists to be able to get a balanced view of multiple opinions within the scientific community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI also like to hear what the other [scientists] say as well because scientists have different approaches at things. They have different ways of thinking.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 50s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For another man, multiple voices in the scientific community caused him confusion about the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cThere\u2019s scientists that are so far apart from each other \u2013 there\u2019s a group that are like, \u2018Oh the world\u2019s going to burn up. The core temperature is rising,\u2019 and then there\u2019s another side that says, \u2018We\u2019ve already started being on the downside of cooling off.\u2019 It couldn\u2019t be more polar opposite, so who do you believe?\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 50s, Southwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 id=\"trust-in-climate-scientists-among-all-u-s-adults\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Trust in climate scientists among all U.S adults<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 2022 Pew Research Center survey found that 23% of Americans say they have little or no trust in climate scientists to provide full and accurate information on climate change. Another 22% say they have some trust in climate scientists. At the other end of the spectrum, 54% of Americans say they have either a great deal or quite a bit of trust in information from climate scientists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-420-wide\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-121469\" href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2023\/08\/09\/why-some-americans-do-not-see-urgency-on-climate-change\/ps_2023-08-09_climate-change_00-02-png\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"dbe0e0\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #dbe0e0;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_00-02.png?resize=480,435 480w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_00-02.png?resize=782,709 782w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_00-02.png?resize=840,762 840w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" height=\"381\" width=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_00-02.png?w=420\" alt=\"Chart shows 67% of Americans who see no evidence of climate change have little or no trust in climate scientists\" class=\"wp-image-121469 not-transparent\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Distrust in information from climate scientists is most widespread among those who do not see a strong link between human activity and climate change. For example, 43% of those who say the Earth is getting warmer mostly because of natural patterns in the environment say they have a little or no trust in climate scientists to give full and accurate information. And 67% of those who say there is <em>no evidence<\/em> that the Earth is warming hold the lowest level of trust in climate scientists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"participants-express-deep-misgivings-about-the-accuracy-of-information-from-traditional-news-media\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Participants express deep misgivings about the accuracy of information from traditional news media<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The openness to hearing from scientists was in stark contrast to how interviewees talked about the news media. Participants were much more dismissive of information from media organizations. Most of the 32 participants described climate information from the media as biased and untrustworthy. Some said the media outlets are motivated more by profit than a goal to accurately report information. As one man put it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cNetworks and radio and newspapers and television, they\u2019re all getting paid to tell me something. And if they don\u2019t have my attention then they\u2019re not getting paid. So they\u2019ll do whatever they need to get my attention. So they will stretch things. I\u2019m sure that in the past, they\u2019ve made up stories or, you know, make you try to feel something that\u2019s not necessarily important or whatnot. It\u2019s all about ratings and getting people to watch.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 40s, South<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another felt that the information news media publish is selected to appeal to their audience and is therefore untrustworthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cAny mainstream news organization, they\u2019re going to have their bias \u2026 they all have their narrative that they\u2019re pushing for their own, quote unquote, customer base where they can market to. I don\u2019t necessarily trust anything that they post.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 30s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interviewees pointed out that they don\u2019t trust news sources regardless of the outlet\u2019s political leaning. For them, news sources are not trusted authorities on the topic of climate change. One man drew on his own work experience of analyzing data as a reason to be skeptical of these sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cWhen it comes from media sources, it\u2019s just hard to believe when they post things because a lot of times they post it as factual when it\u2019s opinion pieces. \u2026 It\u2019s just journalists who [are] not experts in that field of work, and they\u2019re just kind of giving their \u2018this is what we think.\u2019 And we all know that, at least in my line of business that we can look at statistics. We can look at data. We can kind of give a story around particular data points even if they\u2019re not the right ones. So I definitely don\u2019t trust media sources from either side.\u201d <\/em>\u2013Man, 40s, Southwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another man said media outlets have a bias one way or the other and feature viewpoints he considers extreme, which causes him to be disengaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cThere aren\u2019t very many media [outlets] that [are] really truly in the middle anymore. So you have to listen, and the turnoff is, you get the extreme people, and that turns you off from wanting to really listen to the whole story.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 50s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;Views-of-government-efforts-to-promote-renewable-energy-and-electric-vehicles&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Views-of-government-efforts-to-promote-renewable-energy-and-electric-vehicles\">Views of government efforts to promote renewable energy and electric vehicles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The interviews explored views of government policies meant to limit the effects of climate change by encouraging a renewable energy transition and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Biden administration has invested in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/briefing-room\/statements-releases\/2022\/01\/12\/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-races-to-deploy-clean-energy-that-creates-jobs-and-lowers-costs\/\">developing more renewable energy sources<\/a> such as wind and solar power as a path to address climate change. The Inflation Reduction Act passed last August also included <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/inflation-reduction-act-joe-biden-climate-energy-home-upgrades\/\">incentives for Americans<\/a> to make their homes more energy efficient and to purchase electric vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some interviewees were open to the idea of a renewable energy transition but called for a slower pace of change. Others expressed outright opposition to a move away from fossil fuels, saying that renewable energy is not reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Concerns with electric vehicles (EVs) were front of mind for many interviewees when discussing renewable energy. Interviewees saw potential problems ranging from environmental damage due to EV manufacturing to practical challenges involved in owning an EV. A recent Center survey found that the share of the public interested in an EV purchase has fallen slightly over the past year, and many Americans lack confidence that the U.S. will build the charging infrastructure needed to support large numbers of EVs. For more on these findings, see our recent post <a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/short-reads\/2023\/07\/13\/how-americans-view-electric-vehicles\/\">\u201cHow Americans view electric vehicles.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"concerns-over-an-energy-transition-toward-renewable-energy-sources\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Concerns over an energy transition toward renewable energy sources<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many interviewees emphasized that a transition toward a greater reliance on renewable energy sources must unfold gradually. Economic decline was a common concern with a fast-paced transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI\u2019m fine with the change. What I\u2019m not fine with are the demands and the urgency to change, which then has a major impact on the economy.\u201d \u2013<\/em>Man, 50s, Mountain West<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think we\u2019re so reliant on carbon-based fuels for our economy and the way we live. We have to cripple ourselves to switch over. It would have to take 40, 50 years reasonably to do that, so if we\u2019re going to ban gas cars by 2035, I think it [is] too excessive.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 20s, Midwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI have nothing whatsoever against renewable energies. I\u2019m just, I would be, my concern is the pace. The pace at which we\u2019re going.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 30s, Southwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other interviewees were more strongly opposed to renewable energy sources, raising concerns about the functionality of renewables. These interviewees commonly expressed strong support for the continued \u2013 or expanded \u2013 use of fossil fuels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cWe don\u2019t have all the batteries to make the electric cars. Things like that. I don\u2019t see where that\u2019s an improvement. I think that fossil fuels have gotten us this far, and I think that they\u2019re fine.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Woman, 40s, Mountain West<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One man living in Florida expressed his skepticism about relying too heavily on electricity, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think to try to switch from one to the next is way too much of a burden, too unfeasible, and would be too costly for the average-day person that it\u2019s just not realistic to say, in 10 years, let\u2019s just have all electric everything. That\u2019s a terrible idea, especially here in Florida with hurricanes. The power goes out. If everything\u2019s electricity, then what are you going to do?\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 30s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"concerns-about-electric-vehicles-range-from-environmental-downsides-to-practicalities-of-charging\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Concerns about electric vehicles range from environmental downsides to practicalities of charging<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interviewees often used electric vehicles as an example to express their concerns with or opposition to renewable energy. Interviewees with concerns about electric vehicles mentioned environmental harm from EV batteries and the practical challenges of owning an EV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think that with everything that\u2019s in place over the last five years \u2013 and there\u2019s good and bad, so all these people again, no one\u2019s addressing the electric car in the energy and the minerals it depletes from the Earth. That\u2019s an environmental issue.\u201d <\/em>\u2013Man, 50s, Southwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Relatedly, many said EVs are no better for the environment than gas-powered vehicles or were unsure whether EVs are an improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cIf you talk to people about switching to electric cars versus diesel- or gas-powered cars, you\u2019re going to hear a lot of talking about how electric powered vehicles still produce a lot of waste, that they\u2019re not as reliable, that they\u2019re more expensive. Those are the questions that we\u2019ve got and I think they\u2019re valid questions because sometimes alternatives are not always better, and we know that producing electricity is probably going to produce waste no matter what unless we switch to a wind-powered society or something.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Woman, 20s, Southwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many pointed to the lack of infrastructure and challenges with home charging as barriers to owning EVs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cIt\u2019s not practical for everyone to purchase a Tesla or be able to have the ability to plug in a car at their home or to, quite frankly, pay to charge up a car and have an additional expense or additional changes to their lifestyle that is always productive or applicable.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Woman, 30s, Midwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cThe infrastructure isn\u2019t there quite yet, just because I\u2019ve also heard that there\u2019s not a lot of places to recharge your car or the amount of time that it takes to recharge your car takes longer than expected \u2013 of course, much longer than just going to a local gas station and filling up your gas. I think having \u2013 creating that infrastructure, not just saying we need more vehicles, but OK, what does that mean, how do we get there so that also we want to have an electric vehicle?\u201d<\/em> \u2013Woman, 30s, Midwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"views-of-electric-vehicles-among-all-u-s-adults\">Views of electric vehicles among all U.S. adults<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-420-wide\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-121471\" href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2023\/08\/09\/why-some-americans-do-not-see-urgency-on-climate-change\/ps_2023-08-09_climate-change_00-03-png\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"ebeceb\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #ebeceb;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_00-03.png?resize=480,455 480w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_00-03.png?resize=782,741 782w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_00-03.png?resize=840,796 840w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" height=\"398\" width=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_00-03.png?w=420\" alt=\"Chart shows 45% of Americans would feel upset if production of new gas-powered vehicles is phased out\" class=\"wp-image-121471 not-transparent\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overall, 38% of Americans say they would be very or somewhat likely to consider an electric vehicle the next time they purchase a car or truck; 50% say they would be unlikely to consider an EV. On balance, Americans have doubts that the country is likely to build the infrastructure needed to support large numbers of electric vehicles \u2013 though adults who are most optimistic about the infrastructure are among the most likely to say they\u2019d consider buying an EV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Americans are cool to the idea of ending the production of gas-powered vehicles. About six-in-ten say they oppose phasing out the production of new gasoline cars and trucks by 2035. In addition, more say they would feel upset (45%) than excited (21%) if new gas-powered vehicles were phased out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more on Americans\u2019 views of electric vehicles, <a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/short-reads\/2023\/07\/13\/how-americans-view-electric-vehicles\/\">read this post<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;government-environmental-protection&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"government-environmental-protection\">What role should government play in environmental protection?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the participants in this study all placed lower importance on taking action to address climate change, they shared an openness to some types of government action on the environment, particularly at the local level. Specifically, support for efforts to protect natural lands and waterways came up in multiple conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, interviewees commonly raised caution that government regulations should not limit people\u2019s freedoms, restrict individual choice or burden people financially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(For views on these issues among all U.S. adults, read our companion report: <a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2023\/06\/28\/3-majorities-of-americans-say-too-little-is-being-done-on-key-areas-of-environmental-protection\/\">\u201cMajorities of Americans Prioritize Renewable Energy, Back Steps to Address Climate Change.\u201d<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"enthusiasm-for-local-government-efforts-to-help-citizens-live-in-ways-that-support-the-environment\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Enthusiasm for local government efforts to help citizens live in ways that support the environment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One interviewee said government programs should provide a way for individuals to help the environment on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think they should provide the ability to help. Recycle, reuse. We\u2019re fortunate here. Our government does \u2013 multiple times a year, they give out trees. So you can plant a new tree in your yard, and help with the CO2 in the air \u2026 that does help our environment as we plant trees.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Woman, 50s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another expressed a similar sentiment about the government providing individuals with incentives to protect the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI feel like maybe government, if they put an incentive on recycling, like say you recycle this much a month or something, if they give an incentive to things, like maybe get a discount on your electricity bill or something like that, I think that would give people more motive and give them an enticement to do better in regards to protecting their environment.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Woman, 30s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A common call across interviews was for actions to protect natural lands and waterways. Some of these pertained to specific regional issues such as preserving water in Arizona and protecting waterways around Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cNo, I don\u2019t think enough is being done when it comes to [water scarcity]. I think there\u2019s a bigger focus on trying to control other things. I\u2019m not sure if you\u2019re familiar with the Phoenix area but<\/em> <em>there\u2019s a lot of [foreign] companies that are buying out farmlands and drilling for water to take and growing alfalfa to take to other countries. We allow other countries to come into this country and use up a really important resource here in the desert. The government\u2019s doing absolutely nothing about that but they\u2019re trying to tell us what type of cars to drive. It just makes no sense. You can\u2019t survive without water.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 40s, Southwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cOff the top of my head, I know that there [are environmental challenges], at Biscayne Bay here in Miami, it\u2019s one of the bigger bays. It is having a lot of environmental issues \u2026 I do know that it is a concern for the community because that\u2019s a whole ecosystem where fish and wildlife, they live there. We live there as well, but it\u2019s a big ecosystem. It seems to be being very impacted by pollution and what humans are doing to the area. \u2026 Also making sure that the Everglades stays clean. It\u2019s an important aspect to being a Floridian, because the Everglades is a big part of Florida. A local aquifer system where the water pumps down, and we want to make sure that that stays clean, because if we have polluted water, that\u2019s not good for anybody.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 30s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More general concerns were over preserving natural lands. Interviewees mentioned limiting development to ensure that natural habitats could survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI believe in the theory of habitat where your land can only sustain with X amount of people or animals. You can apply it anywhere. If you have too many people in one area, then the habitat cannot sustain it, thus the environment starts to suffer. You can see that in any of the major cities.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 50s, Mountain West<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think it\u2019s very important to not overdevelop so there\u2019s still space for natural habitats so animals like foxes and predators don\u2019t start going onto people\u2019s homes and businesses. To have more plants and trees, more biodiversity is very important.\u201d \u2013<\/em>Man, 20s, Midwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In interviews, the most widespread support for environmental regulation came on the topic of ensuring that individuals and corporations were not harming the environment. Still, openness to government action was tempered by the preference that it not go too far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think the government likes to get their hands on everything. But obviously if there are things that are illegal, like dumping oil in the ocean or throwing your trash in the rivers, there should be consequences for stuff like that. It\u2019s affecting all of us.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Woman, 40s, Mountain West<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think we should conserve where we can. I think we should protect endangered species, do some of the things we are doing, but I don\u2019t think that includes eliminating fossil fuels or anything like<\/em> <em>that. I don\u2019t think it means regulating people\u2019s homes or anything like that. I do think what big industry puts into the air should be at least monitored and somewhat controlled, but I don\u2019t think it should be completely restricted.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Woman, 40s, Mountain West<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"support-for-government-action-that-avoids-financial-burden-respects-personal-freedoms-and-stays-local\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Support for government action that avoids financial burden, respects personal freedoms and stays local<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interviewees wanted to make sure government policies for addressing climate change and protecting the environment are effective and cost taxpayers little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think that [government] should set up guidelines and try and help steer people in the right direction, but as far as what they do \u2026 I don\u2019t know about writing a blank check. If there\u2019s going to be a financial burden on people, I would really need to see what the benefit is going to be at the end of that, whether the people are going to, essentially be taxed for it, or how much they\u2019re going to get taxed for it, and what\u2019s the impact going to happen to the environment.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 30s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interviewees also prioritized ensuring that policies do not limit individuals\u2019 freedoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI don\u2019t think they need to be so heavy-handed. I do like the idea of incentives for sure, I don\u2019t know if people take advantage of them. I\u2019d like to see some incentives, more incentives, less heavy-handed. I\u2019m trying to think of ways they could do it without pissing off people, like business owners like ourselves.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Woman, 50s, Mountain West<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think the best way to protect the environment is just educating people on what steps we can take that aren\u2019t extreme, meaning don\u2019t ban gas combustion vehicles. Don\u2019t ban gas stoves. Give people the information. Let them decide what they want to do. But when you start to force things upon people, that\u2019s when people become skeptical, as well. It\u2019s like, why are they forcing something on to us? Why are they changing laws?\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 40s, Southwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignright is-style-callout is-style-300-wide has-beige-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"views-of-what-individuals-can-do-to-help-the-environment\">Views of what individuals can do to help the environment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When asked what individuals themselves should do to address climate change and environmental problems, interviewees pointed to recycling and reducing waste as a way to take personal responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cBest ways to protect the environment I think is to reduce, reuse, recycle.\u201d<\/em><br \/>\u2013Man, 30s, Mountain West<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cWhether it be less pollution, more recycling \u2026 landfills are full with stuff it shouldn\u2019t be full with. We should learn how to reuse the resources we already have instead of trying to make more harmful resources.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Woman, 30s, Midwest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cAnd it is so very important that we take care of our planet. Let\u2019s not litter. Let\u2019s have good clean water. Let\u2019s not do anything that\u2019s going to hurt our planet that we live in.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 50s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interviewees generally expressed the view that government policies to address climate change and protect the environment are better suited for local and state governments than the federal government. Many viewed these levels of government as being closer to the issues and therefore better equipped to create policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think the local government would have more effect on the citizens here in Idaho than the federal level. I feel like a lot of people don\u2019t trust the federal level as much here. \u2026 We need to be responsible for where we live. So it would be all hands on deck for this region. If it\u2019s national, it\u2019s less personal.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Woman, 40s, Mountain West<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI think the state government officials, they\u2019re going to be more in tune with the issues of the area. Going federal, I think that\u2019s too far out. I think they just may be too far removed from any possible issues from the community itself to understand the difficulties that that community might face and the issues.\u201d<\/em> \u2013Man, 30s, Coastal Florida<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the Earth\u2019s temperature continues to rise, climate change remains a lower priority for some Americans, and a subset of the public rejects that it\u2019s happening at all. To better understand the perspectives of those who see less urgency to address climate change, the Center conducted a series of in-depth interviews designed to provide deeper insight into the motivations and views of those most skeptical about climate change.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":581,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"sub_headline":"In-depth interviews find some Americans consider crisis language overblown, leading to added skepticism of claims","sub_title":"In-depth interviews find some Americans consider crisis language overblown, leading to added skepticism of claims","_prc_public_revisions":[],"_ppp_expiration_hours":0,"_ppp_enabled":false,"ai_generated_summary":"","relatedPosts":[{"key":"_arryq6pgv","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2023\/06\/28\/majorities-of-americans-prioritize-renewable-energy-back-steps-to-address-climate-change\/","postId":431473,"title":"Majorities of Americans Prioritize Renewable Energy, Back Steps to Address Climate Change","date":"2023-06-28T13:53:11","label":"Report"},{"key":"_v9bd7hnhq","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/short-reads\/2023\/07\/13\/how-americans-view-electric-vehicles\/","postId":395341,"title":"How Americans view electric vehicles","date":"2023-07-13T13:44:38","label":"Short Read"},{"key":"_1udk68iwb","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2022\/08\/31\/climate-change-remains-top-global-threat-across-19-country-survey\/","postId":414615,"title":"Climate Change Remains Top Global Threat Across 19-Country Survey","date":"2022-08-31T09:53:00","label":"Report"},{"key":"_7o83775l4","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/religion\/2022\/11\/17\/how-religion-intersects-with-americans-views-on-the-environment\/","postId":417830,"title":"How Religion Intersects With Americans\u2019 Views on the Environment","date":"2022-11-17T09:50:35","label":"Report"},{"key":"_309t3xvtm","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/short-reads\/2023\/08\/09\/what-the-data-says-about-americans-views-of-climate-change\/","postId":408908,"title":"What the data says about Americans\u2019 views of climate change","date":"2023-08-09T09:52:23","label":"Short Read"}],"reportMaterials":[{"key":"_fwmutphpp","type":"report","attachmentId":121483,"url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.09.08_climate-change-interviews_REPORT.pdf"}],"multiSectionReport":[{"key":"_uzv78zi0h","postId":104206},{"key":"_5cm5lef0r","postId":104214}],"package_parts__enabled":false,"package_parts":[],"_prc_fork_parent":0,"_prc_fork_status":"","_prc_active_fork":0,"datacite_doi":"","datacite_doi_citation":"","_prc_seo_qr_attachment_id":0,"spoken_article_player_enabled":true,"displayBylines":true,"footnotes":"","prc_watchers":[]},"categories":[264,270,256],"tags":[],"bylines":[957,676,939,621],"collection":[],"datasets":[],"level_of_effort":[],"primary_audience":[],"information_type":[],"_post_visibility":[],"formats":[458],"_fund_pool":[],"languages":[],"regions-countries":[],"research-teams":[520,518],"workflow-status":[],"class_list":["post-104201","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-climate-energy-environment","category-energy","category-trust-in-science","bylines-alec-tyson","bylines-alison-spencer","bylines-cary-funk","bylines-giancarlo-pasquini","formats-report","research-teams-politics","research-teams-science"],"label":false,"post_parent":0,"word_count":8290,"canonical_url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2023\/08\/09\/why-some-americans-do-not-see-urgency-on-climate-change\/","art_direction":{"A1":{"id":121474,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_FEATURED-jpg.webp","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_FEATURED-jpg.webp?w=564&h=317&crop=1","width":564,"height":317,"caption":"Thomas Wagner (L), Director for Earth Action, stands in an immersive exhibit at NASA headquarters in Washington, DC, on June 21, 2023. NASA's Earth Information Center, which is part physical, part online, is an effort that blends science and visualizations to allow visitors to see how our planet is changing. (Photo by Stefani REYNOLDS \/ AFP) (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS\/AFP via Getty Images)","chartArt":false},"A2":{"id":121474,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_FEATURED-jpg.webp","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_FEATURED-jpg.webp?w=268&h=151&crop=1","width":268,"height":151,"caption":"Thomas Wagner (L), Director for Earth Action, stands in an immersive exhibit at NASA headquarters in Washington, DC, on June 21, 2023. NASA's Earth Information Center, which is part physical, part online, is an effort that blends science and visualizations to allow visitors to see how our planet is changing. (Photo by Stefani REYNOLDS \/ AFP) (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS\/AFP via Getty Images)","chartArt":false},"A3":{"id":121474,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_FEATURED-jpg.webp","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_FEATURED-jpg.webp?w=194&h=110&crop=1","width":194,"height":110,"caption":"Thomas Wagner (L), Director for Earth Action, stands in an immersive exhibit at NASA headquarters in Washington, DC, on June 21, 2023. NASA's Earth Information Center, which is part physical, part online, is an effort that blends science and visualizations to allow visitors to see how our planet is changing. (Photo by Stefani REYNOLDS \/ AFP) (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS\/AFP via Getty Images)","chartArt":false},"A4":{"id":121474,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_FEATURED-jpg.webp","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_FEATURED-jpg.webp?w=268&h=151&crop=1","width":268,"height":151,"caption":"Thomas Wagner (L), Director for Earth Action, stands in an immersive exhibit at NASA headquarters in Washington, DC, on June 21, 2023. NASA's Earth Information Center, which is part physical, part online, is an effort that blends science and visualizations to allow visitors to see how our planet is changing. (Photo by Stefani REYNOLDS \/ AFP) (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS\/AFP via Getty Images)","chartArt":false},"XL":{"id":121474,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_FEATURED-jpg.webp","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_FEATURED-jpg.webp?w=720&h=405&crop=1","width":720,"height":405,"caption":"Thomas Wagner (L), Director for Earth Action, stands in an immersive exhibit at NASA headquarters in Washington, DC, on June 21, 2023. NASA's Earth Information Center, which is part physical, part online, is an effort that blends science and visualizations to allow visitors to see how our planet is changing. (Photo by Stefani REYNOLDS \/ AFP) (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS\/AFP via Getty Images)","chartArt":false},"social":{"id":121474,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_FEATURED-jpg.webp","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/08\/PS_2023.08.09_climate-change_FEATURED-jpg.webp?w=1200&h=628&crop=1","width":1200,"height":628,"caption":"Thomas Wagner (L), Director for Earth Action, stands in an immersive exhibit at NASA headquarters in Washington, DC, on June 21, 2023. NASA's Earth Information Center, which is part physical, part online, is an effort that blends science and visualizations to allow visitors to see how our planet is changing. 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