Last month, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released their special report outlining the consequence of a changing climate, and the measures necessary to avert the most dangerous scenarios. The report is a collaborative effort of 91 authors, more than 150 contributors, and includes over 42,000 expert and government comments. It represents the most up to date consensus on climate change by the world’s scientists.
But the response to the report by many elected and government officials, including the President, cast doubt on the findings of the report, and the expertise of its authors. With a report that clearly spells out the consequences of climate breakdown, and with an outspoken skeptical Administration, how are Americans responding to the the IPCC report? Do they trust the findings? Does partisanship shape their response? And does the report inspire Americans to act on or prioritize climate solutions?
To find out the answers to these questions, ecoAmerica conducted its November 2018 American Climate Perspective Survey. These are the four key takeaways:
- Most Americans trust the IPCC report, however there are partisan variances in trust. A majority of Democrats (81%) and Independents (61%) trust the IPCC report. Republican trust is split: 28% of Republicans trust the IPCC report, 25% trust what the Trump Administration is saying about climate change, and 23% of Republicans trust neither the IPCC report nor the Trump Administration on climate change.
- An overwhelming number of Americans, 79%, are concerned about the report’s findings. Across partisan lines, Americans are concerned about the consequences of climate breakdown. This includes over 60% of Republicans and more than 75% of Independents. Democrats were most concerned, with nearly nine in ten respondents expressing concern.
- Americans are more likely to take personal action after hearing report findings. The findings in the IPCC report are motivating Americans of all political stripes to do more in their personal lives to act on climate.
- A majority of Americans think the U.S. should place a higher priority on climate solutions. 72% think that climate solutions should be a bigger priority in the U.S., with half believing that climate solutions should be a top priority.
